June is designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Pride month, LGBTQIA+ for short (the plus is to include other sexual and gender identity minorities). Since the first Pride parade on June 28, 1970 in New York City, recalling the events at The Stonewall Inn a year earlier, Pride parades have grown from small marches to huge celebrations; from an isolated act of resistance to large displays of hope, acceptance, and, most of all, pride. As people of the Christian faith, we are called to stand up for and with those who are persecuted as Christ was persecuted, to recognize and celebrate the diversity of God’s creation which helps us to better imagine the many facets and features of a God that is beyond our wildest imagining, and to love one another as God in Christ has loved us. This and every Pride month, we are called to love our LGBTQIA+ selves, family, and neighbors, and to celebrate the place of LGBTQIA+ people in the wondrous prism of God’s creation.
~ Pr. Chelsea
This Pride Month, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton gives thanks for the blessings of our LGBTQIA+ siblings and prays that we will all have a sense of pride in being part of this fearfully and wonderfully made family.