It seems safe to say that most biases are caused by a lack of understanding. People grow accustomed to similar races, personalities and preferences because their first social lessons begin as children—in a family unit. Traditionally, marriages were between men and women of the same race, religion, political affiliation…parents hand down their own beliefs to children: we are white, Southern Baptist, republican…take pride in the family name, Smith, our ancestors were wood workers from England, came to America in 1899….

Thus, children are often the most closed minded in a society because their minds haven’t been opened to other possibilities. With limited knowledge based on parents, grandparents and siblings, kids and teens may lash out against those who are “different.”

“My daddy says vote for (fill in the blank).” “My mama doesn’t like your mama.” …so the hatred begins.

But Richard Noble has decided to stand up, and walk, to teach lessons of tolerance and love.

He began walking on March 12, 2011 at the Golden Gate Bridge in California; two weeks ago, he had reached Robertsdale, a 2,285-mile journey.

“When so many young people are being bullied in school and the suicide rate so high, especially in young, gay kids, I prayed a lot over this,” he began. “It came to me to openly—walk the Rainbow flag across America.”

“I speak at schools and help pass equal civil-rights resolutions. The mayors all over the country proclaim Gay Equality Days in my honor; that included Biloxi, Mobile, Montgomery and New Orleans.”

Noble said he’s honored to work to stop prejudices.

“As the first openly gay man to walk the Rainbow flag across America and speak about bullying and civil rights to thousands of people, it's a great time.”

He picked up his traveling companion, a dog named Trinity, in San Antonio, Texas, and the four-legged friend has walked alongside or been pushed in Noble’s pet stroller ever since.

Besides his grander goals, Noble explained that the trip has offered him much personal growth.

“I camp out mostly but often stay with families and occasional hotels--it's taught me everything I know about camping,” he chuckled. The flag and I have been in lodges with Native-American Indians, ate chili with bikers, have gone white water rafting on the Colorado River…the list goes on.”

“The American people have been wonderful.”

And beyond the cultural elements of Noble’s personal growth, he’s also found closure in working for a cause that hits close to home.

“You might ask, ‘why this?’ ‘why me?’” he offered. “I was seriously bullied as a kid and have scars on my wrist that I will carry forever—the pain from bullying and discrimination is very real.”

“I know that if I had killed myself, it would’ve been fixing a temporary problem with a permanent solution. Young people only need reach out for help, talk about feelings or bullying with a trusted, kind adult or peer, because it does pass. It’s getting better all the time, and, well, people like me and you, we’re putting up the good fight.”

Passers-by encourage him, as he pushes tired feet and sweaty brow aside for a greater good, he divulged.

“Each day, my heart is lifted with cars that honk in support, lots of people pulling over to say ‘Hi,’ hand me a 20 dollar bill, water, food, even dog toys for Trinity,” he explained. “Over the Northern Sierras, 49 days across the deserts of Nevada and through the Rocky Mountains in the back country, I've experienced an America that has blown my mind—lots of people pray with me and we've never been hurt.”

“Alabama has been a wonderful state to travel—the ninth of ten states I crossed. People tell me to be safe and we are.”

He’s experienced diversity as he’s marched for it from the West Coast to the East Coast.

“My heart is filled with gratitude as I've met every kind of American and have been welcomed by all,” he recalled.

“Please parents, please teachers and preachers and young, there are 8 billion people on the planet and lots of diversity, so let's all lighten up on each other and accept and help each other along. You'll find a tremendous joy as I have. And for the love of Jesus, end the discrimination and bullying. There's no lasting love and joy in such things.

Thank you for helping me and God bless you all.”

For more on resources to stop bullying, visit http://www.walk.usfreedomring.