CELEBRATING PRIDE
What would Jesus say about celebrating Pride Sunday?
I think he’d say, “You were created in love. I love you in ways you can’t imagine. God wants nothing but good for you. Leave the shame behind and embrace your authentic self and help me in my goal to create more love and kindness into this world.” Rich Tafel, pastor, Church of the Holy City, Washington, D.C.
What is the meaning of “Pride” in the LGBTQ+ community?
Pride is the “promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community as a social group. It is a call for greater unity for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Why is Pride Month in June?
In the late 1960s, being openly gay was largely prohibited in most places. New York, in particular, had a rule that the simple presence of someone gay or genderqueer counted as disorderly conduct, effectively outlawing gay bars.
On June 28, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar with a diverse LGBTQ+ clientele, stood their ground after police raided the establishment. The resulting clash led to days of riots and protests, known as the Stonewall Uprising.
One year later, on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, thousands of people flooded the streets of Manhattan in the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March, regarded as the first Pride event ever. (usatoday.com)
Why Do We Celebrate Pride Month?
According to GLADD, (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), the annual recognition provides “an opportunity for the community to come together, take stock and recognize the advances and setbacks made in the past year. It is also a chance for the community to come together and celebrate in a festive, affirming atmosphere.”
In honor of Pride Month, there are events, marches, parades, festivities and remembrances held throughout the month, typically culminating on June 28, the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. The City of Boston hosts one of the largest parades on June 8, 2024, along with other festivities.
In addition to the colorful parades and communal shows of support via rainbow flags, Pride Month is also an important time to bear witness to the discrimination LGBTQ+ people still face today. A record number of anti-trans bills are being introduced across the country, and books discussing sexuality and identity are being banned.
Pride Month Events on Cape Ann
There are a growing number of Pride events taking place on Cape Ann to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in May and June, including:
--Cape Ann Pride Coalition Gloucester, along with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting a series of events May 26-June 2, 2024 (capeannpride.org/events for more information about specific events);
--Town of Gloucester Pride flag raising, May 31, 2024, 11:00 am, Town Hall;
--Pride Month Mini-Exhibits, Hammond Castle, Fridays, May 31-June 28;
--Cape Ann Museum Family Pride Picnic, June 2, 1:00-3:00 pm;
--North Shore Pride Parade, Salem, June 22, 2024.
Support for the LGBTQ+ Community on the North Shore
There are a number of organizations on Cape Ann and the North Shore that provide information and year-round support, including:
Cape Ann Pride Coalition (capeannpride.org) is a grassroots collection of LGBTQIA+ people and their allies who live and/or work on Greater Cape Ann. They provide a list of emergency contacts for anyone seeking guidance and/or clinical help.
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