PRIDE MONTH

In 1969, when homosexuality was illegal in 49 states, NYC police raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village – a popular hangout for the LGBTQ+ community. This sparked gay liberation riots - the beginning of modern-day activism for LGBTQ+ equality. The first Pride March took place a year later, and the movement continued to grow. Pride Month is a celebration of love (love is love is love) commemorating the contributions of LGBTQ+ people and drawing attention to the continuing struggle for rights.

The rainbow flag is recognized around the world as a symbol of joy, pride and the persistence of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of discrimination and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The colored horizontal stripes from top to bottom represent life, healing, sunlight, nature, peace, and spirit. The Progress Pride flag here, designed in 2018, expanded the colors for more inclusivity. The added brown and black represent marginalized LGBTQ+ people of color and also all victims of AIDS/HIV, while the pink, light blue, and white are representative of transgender and intersex people.

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has been in the forefront of the struggle for LGBTQ+ inclusion in our church and equality in our nation for decades. Our Connections newsletter and website will be publishing resources throughout the month for further reading and inspiration.