Pride month presents us all an opportunity.
Some choose to perpetuate divisive rhetoric. “Pride goes before destruction…” or other select bible verses can bolster one’s case, and miss the point.
Thankfully, there’s an increasing number of curious Christians rethinking their response. Yay! That’s who I give my time to.
So, did you know PRIDE started as an acronym? Me neither. (Some friends might revoke my ‘gay card’ for that. I digress.)
It stood for Personal Rights in Defense and Education. The PRIDE organization was formed in LA in 1966 and was more radical in its approach than the pre-1960s homosexual rights groups, which were more deferential.
PRIDE’s goal was to get out on the streets, resist discrimination and violence, and fight for equal rights. Interestingly, after pressure from the gay and straight community alike, PRIDE ceased its aggressive operations and dissolved in late 1968.
Six months later on the other coast, the Stonewall Riots took place after NYC police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. The raid sparked six days of protests in the surrounding neighborhood, and galvanized the gay rights movement.
Beyond the history lesson, consider the basic meaning of the word pride. Such as the feeling of deep satisfaction from your achievements or best qualities. Or the consciousness of one’s dignity and worth. (I think there’s Bible verses about all that too.)
So… What does Pride mean to you?
