Pride Month

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. It is a month-long celebration demonstrating how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country by using their talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill. The first Pride March in New York City was held on June 28, 1970, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Celebrating Pride Month allows us to continue to work to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) members of the community. 

Pastor Gene recently reminded us in the Messenger, “We are not required to agree on all things, read the Bible the same way, worship the same way, or run our churches the same way.” He also explained the recent decisions made at the General Conference:

The General Conference 2024 lifted the ban on LGBTQ clergy and removed prohibitions on officiating at same-sex weddings. It removed the restrictive language from the Book of Discipline and the Social Principles. The UMC now recognizes that “marriage is a sacred lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith (adult man and woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age) into union with one another.” 

Pride Month is a wonderful opportunity to open your heart and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. Most pride celebrations in major urban areas around the world are held in June, although some cities hold them at different times of the year partially because the weather in June is suboptimal for such events there. There are many local opportunities to show your support for all of God’s children. If you are interested, please click here for more information.

Some folks from SUM are participating in the Free Mom Hugs (a group represented in all 50 states) at West Hartford’s Pride Festival at noon on June 22nd at West Hartford Town Hall. Email Eileen Brogan to carpool or join us. You can buy a tee shirt and register here.

-        Eileen Brogan