I fly the flag and celebrate/protest with Pride in honor of…
- Todd, frail and sincere, who played the pipe organ with power. I hope to see you again on the other side someday.
- Dan, for tolerating my ignorance and self-righteousness.
- David, who as a buoyant teen styled holy women’s hair at church camp, sang like an angel, and could dance friends into a trance. Thanks for reaching out to me in your last months of life. We’ll catch up, I hope.
- Chris, who befriended me when I transferred to Plainfield High School as a senior. RIP.
- Emery, who endured decades of “love the sinner, hate the sin” treatment from churched extended family. You rose above in spite of.
- The youth and adults in the congregations I led before I fully embraced inclusivity. Even then, I hope I offered a space for searching without undue judgment. I repent and ask your forgiveness; I salute your continuing journeys.
- Fellow students at Olivet Nazarene University who were forced to stay in the closet by intimidation or be subjected to pressure for “conversion” by homophobic church zealots. Belated kudos to all who came out and were kicked out.
- All who have had to grapple maddeningly with a judging church and god which/who is defied/eclipsed by the Jesus really presented in the Bible.
Pride, to me, is in honor of all who have struggled just to BE in the face of religious and cultural ignorance. Pride is a celebration of life and love. Pride is a protest against all who would try to suppress or cancel the rights and hopes of our loved ones and neighbors.
I am an ally. Count on me.
No comments:
Post a Comment