June 6, 2022 – by Elise Gower

My dad often ends our conversations with, “Make yourself proud. I’m proud of you.” Take pride, he reminds me, in being who God intended you to be.

Pride month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a catalyst for LGBTQ+ advocacy and activism. Queer history, like that of other historically oppressed groups, doesn’t find its way into most school curricula. So, as a queer person, I’ve had a lot of learning to do on my own (and still do). 

Known for rainbows and parades, June is a time of celebration and representation — all good things. Pride Month, first organized by Brenda Howard, honors the collective, ongoing work toward equal rights for the queer community. There’s an important tension between joy and the persistent reality of injustice. Pride month evokes a lot of shallow commitments. Companies make money by advertising inclusivity. Well-meaning allies show strong support for the queer community, but neglect other marginalized identities. People “show up” in June, but by the 4th of July they shift to an unexamined national pride, glossing over our country’s history of slavery, racism, and bigotry. I’m left wondering about the term “pride.” 

To my LGBTQ+ community, you are made in the image and likeness of our creative and intentional God. In your fullness, you bring greater life, beauty, and truth to the Church. We see you, this month and always. How do you experience God in your fullness? What makes you most proud about living into your authentic self?

To the straight, cisgender community, celebrate with us as we uplift the strength and resilience of our LGBTQ+ family.  Expand your vision beyond this month to an inclusion that embraces the dignity of each person every day.  How might a disordered pride be a barrier to inclusion? How are our attachments rooted in an unhealthy pride?

OIS continues to work to become a more inclusive community. As we prayerfully consider places of needed growth, we invite you into this work with us. Let us be proud of each member of our community and reflect God’s love toward one another.

For more information and further learning about language/terms/definitions, please visit the Human Rights Campaign’s website.

Elise Gower (she/hers) is the Associate Director for Contemplative Leaders in Action.