LGBTQ Pride Month
Around the nation and around the world, many will celebrate this month through festive celebration and commemoration of those who have worked for LGBTQ rights.
Since 2000, the United States recognizes June as LGBT Pride Month. The month was chosen In memory of the 1969 riots at Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, widely considered one of the touchstones for the history of the LGBTQ rights movement.
In the midst of such festivities, however, this month also marks continued struggle for the protection of LGBTQ rights. According to the United Nations, 76 countries criminalize consensual same sex relationships and in seven countries the penalty may be death. Bullying and threats of violence against persons who are, or are perceived to be, LGBTQ contribute to cultures of fear and shame.
At a joint press conference in May 2017, German Chancellor Angela Merkel publicly raised concerns over reports of the persecution of gay men in Chechnya with Vladimir Putin. Multiple human rights groups and newspapers are reporting that up to 100 men were allegedly captured and tortured by Chechen officials.
As a church we “deplore acts of hate and violence against groups or persons based on … sexual orientation [or] gender identity.” (Social Principles, ¶162). We seek that every person is recognized and seen as valued.
Obstacles to living a full life for our young people also persists. Stigma, bullying, violence and harassment continue to threaten the lives of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth. According to the Trevor Project, in the United States, the rate of suicide attempts is 4 times greater for LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) youth and 2 times greater for questioning youth than that of straight youth.
So for this month of June, let’s stand as people of faith who believe in civil and human rights of all persons. For more information, visit LGBTQ rights.
