June is Pride Month! – We have had multiple recent requests to offer some “refresher courses” regarding Open and Affirming and Reconciling Ministries. First Congregational UCC engaged the Open and Affirming Process back in 2015 – 2016 and Christ United Methodist Church did the early work towards becoming a Reconciling Ministries Congregation back in 2017 -2018. It’s been a while. We’ve added some new people. We’ve forgotten some stuff. The world has changed. There are many reasons to brush up a bit and what better time to do that than Pride month. Three of our services in June will feature some Pride related themes.

Pride – In late June and into early July 1968, New York City Police and members of the LGBTQ+ community were engaged in a riot. June 28, 1969 marks the beginning of an uprising in New York City that eventually led to what we now call Pride Month. It began with an undercover police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York. Before the uprising was over, thousands of people had converged to the neighborhood in protest of the ongoing and often brutal tactics used by law enforcement to enforce anti-gay laws. In 1969 homosexuality was considered a criminal offense. It had been illegal to serve alcohol to a gay person until 1966. It was not unusual for gay establishments to operate without a liquor license, which made them susceptible to police raids. Raids on gay establishments often took advantage of the reality that patrons and employees were reluctant to report abusive language and behavior out of fear of further retaliation. The raid that took place at the Stonewall Inn included individual interrogation, targeting “cross dressers” and employees.  All “cross-dressers” were ordered to be detained and several were arrested. Some escaped. Others tried. While one person was attempting to escape, they were handled brutally by law enforcement and the corner was turned. It was no longer a raid but an uprising. By the next evening, word had gotten out about the uprising and thousands of protestors arrived at Stonewall. The uprising continued for a week. The police used tear gas and physical beatings, which led to further resistance. After a week, the crowds dispersed but the desire for freedom did not. A year later, on the anniversary of the first day of the uprising, the first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Eventually, the entire month of June has been noted as Pride month. Now, Pride celebrations are held across the nation throughout the month of June and beyond.

Why Pride? It’s not unusual for members of marginalized groups and their allies to lift up their particular history in forms of marches and celebrations, especially those aspects that commemorate moments that led to liberation. It helps us all remember that not everyone across society enjoys the same rights and responsibilities. As a straight cis-gender woman, I’ve never had anyone question my right to marriage the person I love, have access to my spouse’s medical information or finances, the nature of my relationship with my children or my wardrobe choices. If I wanted to change my name to better suit my sense of self, there would most likely be not any challenges. While the fact that I am a female in a traditionally male role, I am grateful to be affiliated with two denominations that fully value my gifts for ministry. Until all people can say the same, Pride will always be important.

I encourage you to participate in whatever Pride activities you can. Pride in Great Falls will be held on Sunday, June 8 from 2:00-6:00 P.M. at the Times Square Building (525 Central Avenue), Second floor event center and Suite 6U. Pride week will also include Black White and Pride Drag Show on Saturday, June 7, 7:00 P.M. at the Great Falls International Airport and Pride at Centene Stadium, Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00 P.M.

For more information on any of these events, see the Great Falls LGBTQ Center Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/GreatFallsLGBTQCenter

Be sure to invite your family and friends to our Pride and Inclusive services held throughout the month of June (see other information in this newsletter).

However you observe Pride, may it be safe and joyous.

Rev. Lynne