Richard Noble at the Federal Building on Alamo Plaza. (Photo: Walk Across America)

Cross-country walker brings Rainbow flag to S.A.
QSanAntonio, December 3, 2011

It was last spring when Richard Noble says he decided he needed to call more attention to the need for full Federal equality for LGBT people. "When I see the images of innocent young people who have died over the last year and the hundreds of others who at this very moment are contemplating suicide and or taking action on it because they're afraid, I know in my heart for them, I need to pick up my rainbow flag and walk across America."

On March 12, Noble started his cross-country walk on the northern end of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, a trek he says will take about 18 months. "The rhetoric has become too much. The pain too real," Noble has stated. "A precious human life today, could be gone forever, tomorrow."

On November 10, Noble arrived arrived in Del Rio, Texas where he stayed a few days and then headed toward Bracketville, a trip that would take three days and sap his spirit, but only temporarily.

Despite the rigors of his quest, Noble perseveres. "If one gay kid comes and tells me they were thinking of suicide and changed their mind as a result of seeing a gay person walk across America by being visible with the Rainbow Flag, then I have done something worth while," he says.

From Bracketville, Noble got on Highway 50 and walked to San Antonio where he arrived on November 23. He was picked up by James Poindexter of Gay Pride S.A., taken to a hotel, then given given a tour of San Antonio by Poindexter and other local activists.

"I’m just going with the flow. Went to Alamo and around town. Little photo shoot as well. Had lots of fun. Enjoying here. I like all the military. Nice folks." Noble wrote on his blog, Walk Across America.

On Friday, December 9, Noble will be joined by local activists who will accompany him on a walk downtown along the San Antonio Riverwalk. From San Antonio Noble will continue heading east and eventually hopes to reach New York City and the Statue of Liberty.

"There is no doubt in my mind and in my heart, why I am doing what I am doing," Noble says. "The untruthful rhetoric of religion and it's effect in elections, translates into the unconstitutionality of current law, and through wisdom, non-violence and perseverance, we can change that, reminding each other of the inherent nature of the ultimate truth that we are each created as embodiments of love."

If you want to help or support Richard – contact him through his website Walk Across America, which has a “donate” button and blog postings with photos of his journey.