A proud Pride Sunday in West Hollywood

[VickySGV]

I am a member of the Episcopal Church. My local (parish) church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles which has an active GLBT ministry task group that includes GLBT people from all of its parishes and has special activities throughout the year, including dedicated Celebrations of Holy Eucharist (Communion). Yesterday I attended their Pride Eucharist which took place in a bank parking lot in the parade formation area at the beginning of the West Hollywood Pride Parade. It is symbolic that the Eucharist also celebrated Pentecost which is a major feast day of the Church being revealed to all people and a whole bunch of real crazy types running through the streets preaching and otherwise getting the attention they did. (Acts 2),

We view the Holy Eucharist as a family meal with Christ as the one who prepares and serves it to us, and in doing so let us know that He and His Father are cool and happy with us for who we are. I was one of 3 Trans* folks out of a group of about 80 people, and one of the Trans* men was actually the preacher for the service, although at the minute he is not a full clergy person in the Episcopal Church at this time.

I had not at first intended to join in the parade march, but there I was carrying a pride flag off to the side of two Episcopal Church flags, behind the banner announcing who our group was. Our "uniform" was a T shirt with "Love is our ONLY Family Value" on it in front, and the church GLBT ministry logo on the back. We had a bagpipe and drum band that has a number of members from one parish in it join us, and it was quite a sound. One of our Bishops was also riding in a car with the group, This was not our Bishop who is lesbian, but she is very supportive of Gay and Trans* people. I had had a few minutes to talk with HER before the Eucharist, and found out she knew more about me than I would have expected. (I am just one person out of several thousands she has met before!!)

Our one humorous moment was when we went by a solitary group of people with the God Hates Gays placards and one of our people commented out pretty loudly, "hey they have that wrong, we had breakfast with Jesus and He said it was all OK with his dad!!" I think the statement may have gone viral in the crowd near us.

My only regret for the day was having to walk back to my car, it was longer back than I remembered the parade being the first time. Sunburned, footsore, and with an emotional load that was a bit more than I had anticipated. I am loved for who and what I am.

[Guest]

Sounds like it was a wonderful Pride in WeHo, Vicky.

Thanx for sharing.

Huggs,

Joann

[Charlize]

That sounds like a wonderful experience but i now know why you were a bit tired yesterday evening at our chat meeting. I love the comment about having breakfast with Jesus. Just beautiful and affirming.

Hugs,

Charlize

[VickySGV]

I just saw the Order Of Service from yesterday, and it reminded me that yesterday was also the 45th anniversary of Stonewall, where let's face it, the Trans* community kinda set a match onto things. Two of our prayers commemorated Stonewall in a postive way. I may share later.

[Carolyn Marie]

I'm glad you had such a rewarding experience, Vicky. Having fun with lots of friends, newly minted or long standing, is always a great thing. I saw a lot of the activities on T.V., and while it all looked fun, those kinds of crowds are not my thing. Maybe next year.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Cyd]

It all sounds wonderful! I'm bummed that I'm missing Pride here in Sacramento this year. My mom and stepdad are taking me, my wife, and my stepsis to Monterey for a couple days. It didn't occur to me when we were scheduling the trip that it conflicted with Pride. Oh well....maybe next year I will be able to attend as an out FTM rather than as my partially-truthful lesbian self.

I love the "breakfast with Jesus" comment! What a great response to those haters.

Cyd

[gennee]

Vicky, the last sentence say it perfectly. I'm happy that you made an impact with your comment to those protesting your presence.

[gennee]

I just saw the Order Of Service from yesterday, and it reminded me that yesterday was also the 45th anniversary of Stonewall, where let's face it, the Trans* community kinda set a match onto things. Two of our prayers commemorated Stonewall in a positive way. I may share later.

I was twenty years old when Stonewall happened. I was out of the city when event unfolded. When I visited the site of couple of days after the events, I saw the effects of those tumultuous days. I have educated some folks that it was trans people who got the ball rolling.

[Guest]

I just saw the Order Of Service from yesterday, and it reminded me that yesterday was also the 45th anniversary of Stonewall, where let's face it, the Trans* community kinda set a match onto things. Two of our prayers commemorated Stonewall in a postive way. I may share later.

Egg on my face.

I always thought the officially recognized day was June 28th.

What do I know?

Huggs,

Joann