Celebrate Pride!

By Lisa Dunson

HAPPY PRIDE!!! Gay Pride Month, or as we call it ‘Pride,’ is celebrated every year during the month of June. It is a time dedicated to advocating for the rights, visibility, and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community and a time for honoring ourselves, our LGBTQ+ siblings and a multitude of allies who stand with and support us. This month-long celebration is marked by parades, festivals, educational and social events, and yes, worship services that highlight the history, struggles, and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals and serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. And, while significant strides have been made, there is still a lot of work for us to do. Discrimination, violence, and inequality persist, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue advocating for a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live openly, authentically, and free from the isms and hatred that continue to permeate the fabric of our communities and our lives.

To understand the meaning of Pride and its importance to members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, it’s important to know how Gay Pride Month began. On June 28, 1969, police in New York City raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar located in Greenwich Village. The raid sparked spontaneous and violent demonstrations between the police and the LGBTQ+ community, leading to six days of protests. It is widely considered to be the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States and globally. Today, Pride is a celebration of this history, the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, and the ongoing fight for equal rights.

The Alliance of Baptists has long been a beacon of progressive faith, advocating for social justice, inclusion, and equality. As Pride Month unfolds, we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating diversity and reaffirming our commitment to justice and love for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Since our founding in 1987, the Alliance has been a progressive voice within the Baptist tradition, known for a commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and theological diversity, challenging exclusionary practices and advocating for a more inclusive church. We embrace this inclusive theology, rooted in our understanding of the Christian faith, which emphasizes love, justice, and equality because we understand that as followers of Christ, we are called to affirm the dignity and worth of all individuals. In 1995, the Alliance took a significant step by adopting a statement affirming the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in the life and ministry of the church. This statement was a groundbreaking move within the broader Baptist community, marking the Alliance as a leader in LGBTQ+ advocacy within the faith.

As Pride Month unfolds, we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating diversity and reaffirming our commitment to justice and love for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

And we didn’t stop there, we continued to push the proverbial envelope and dared to become early supporters of Marriage Equality, advocating for the right of same gender loving persons to marry and receive the same legal and social recognition as heterosexual couples. As we lived without reservation into who God was both calling and challenging the Alliance of Baptists to be, we sought out, found, and formed partnerships with other progressive and LGBTQ+ affirming faith-based organizations and congregations to strengthen our advocacy efforts and broaden our impact. 

Throughout the years, the Alliance has issued numerous statements affirming our unceasing and unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, marriage equality, transgender rights, the continuing need for broader societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ persons and for our congregations and the church universal to not only welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals and our families, but to go a step further and create safe and affirming spaces where we can participate fully in the life of the church which includes leadership roles and pastoral positions. 

We should all be proud that we are a part of an organization that has been such a significant force in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion within the broader Baptist community. Our non-negotiable commitment to justice and equality has helped challenge and change hearts and minds within our Alliance congregations, within our movement, within our ministry partners and beyond. As a result of our advocacy efforts, the Alliance of Baptists has always been recognized as a beacon of inclusivity and justice for all, and our unwavering and steadfast support of the LGBTQ+ community reflects our deep commitment to living out loud the principles of love and equality that are central to our faith. It is our hope and our prayer that through our advocacy and education efforts, we have made a positive and lasting contribution toward shifting perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues within the Baptist community. We hope that we serve as both an encouragement and a road map for other communities of faith to adopt and implement inclusive practices and policies. 

Aw we reflect on our history and progress, looking ahead given the political landscape today, it’s important for us to remember that Pride is not just a celebration—it also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community, and while significant strides have been made there is still much work to be done. Discrimination, violence, and inequality persist, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue advocating for a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live openly and authentically.

Whether you’re a member of the community or an ally, Pride is an opportunity to embrace diversity, foster inclusion, spread love, honor those who fought for the rights we enjoy today and commit to continuing the fight for future generations because it is clear that the journey towards full equality and acceptance continues. 

The Alliance of Baptists remains steadfast in its dedication to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and fostering communities where everyone is welcome and valued. By standing together in love and solidarity, we can continue to create a world where everyone is free to live authentically and fully. 

So come on, join the celebration! If you have never experienced the fun, fellowship, love, creativity, diversity, and inclusivity of Pride, I invite you to find and join a Pride celebration in your local community and celebrate with us. And for those of us who do take part and celebrate Pride, I encourage you to invite someone who has never been a part of the celebratory and love-infused spirit to celebrate Pride with you. 

HAPPY PRIDE to one and all!!!