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Some thoughts on PRIDE

June is the month of PRIDE celebrations, and one question I am often asked is: Why must they flaunt it? We don’t have a Heterosexual Parade?

We live in a dominant heterosexual society and many of us do not recognize the privilege we are given if we fit in and feel very comfortable in a heterosexual society.  For example:

  • If I pick up a magazine, watch TV, or play music, I can be certain my sexual orientation will be represented.
  • When I talk about my heterosexuality (such as in a joke or talking about my relationships), I will not be accused of pushing my sexual orientation onto others.
  • I do not have to fear that if my family or friends find out about my sexual orientation there will be economic, emotional, physical or psychological consequences.
  • I did not grow up with games that attack my sexual orientation.
  • I am not accused of being abused, warped or psychologically confused because of my sexual orientation.
  • I can go home from most meetings, church, classes, and conversations without feeling excluded, fearful, attacked, isolated, outnumbered, unheard, held at a distance, stereotyped or feared because of my sexual orientation.
  • I am never asked to speak for everyone who is heterosexual.
  • People don't ask why I made my choice of sexual orientation.
  • People don't ask why I made my choice to be public about my sexual orientation.
  • I do not have to fear revealing my sexual orientation to friends or family. It's assumed.
  • My sexual orientation was never associated with a closet.
  • People of my gender do not try to convince me to change my sexual orientation.
  • I don't have to defend my heterosexuality.
  • I can easily find a religious community that will not exclude me for being heterosexual.
  • I can count on finding a therapist or doctor willing and able to talk about my sexuality.
  • I am guaranteed to find sex education literature for couples with my sexual orientation.
  • Because of my sexual orientation, I do not need to worry that people will harass me

Source: libcom.org “The heterosexual privilege checklist”

The list goes on and on and those of us who identify as heterosexual have this privilege, and we might be unaware of this.

Pride events started as a protest movement to help the heterosexual dominant society understand how difficult it is for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks to live. Now we are aware and we can change language and behaviour to be more inclusive.

I have been asked - ”the Bible says homosexuality is wrong!”

There are six texts in the whole BIBLE that refer to same sex behaviour. (The term homosexual was not invented so it cannot be in the Bible - just like ATMs, airplanes, and yogurt should not show up in the Biblical text!) All of the references to same sex behaviour have to do the pederasty – forced sexual behaviour between older men and young boys. THIS is the behaviour that is condemned. Consensual same sex behaviour is documented in all of history, and there is nothing in the Bible that condemns it.

SO PRIDE is still necessary to continue to work for open space and allow same-sex folks to live and live well, without the oppression they often face.

Another question I have been asked - Why do we need the pride flags and symbols in our church?

I met with a person who left Lakeview because she felt unsafe.  Many churches claim love and acceptance of all God’s children, however heterosexual privilege – that makes heterosexuals feel safe and comfortable - excludes some of God’s children. They are not allowed to be married in their church. Folks are not allowed to talk about their gay or lesbian grandchildren, so we make is really clear that 2SLGBTQIA+ folks are recognized as God’s children and really welcomed!  Especially at Lakeview.

What is it like in Regina? I attended the Regina Board of Education meeting last month and the Chair of the Board is a member of the queer community. She is being threatened. People came to protest and disrupt the meeting. They are continuing to threaten her.   So dear friends, please support PRIDE events, the queer folks in your neighbourhood, in your family and in our church.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.” Matthew 22: 37-39

With thanks and appreciation, in love and hope for building a better world - for our children and grandchildren.

Pastor Carla