Looking back at Pride Month, a holy time where all can find acceptance

Pride Month may be over, but pride keeps going

By Rev. Roland Stringfellow

Coming out the the High Holy Season of Pride Month, I am grateful we were able to celebrate in peace, and without major incident.   

I do not flippantly refer to Pride as “high” and “holy,” because I do indeed believe coming out of the closet is a spiritual experience.  

Coming out as your authentic self is an act of embracing truth and a journey of self-discovery – becoming the person you are meant to be. There comes a time when telling and living a lie no longer serves us.   

We want a genuine relationship with ourselves, others and our Creator.

Thus, being an honest, truthful person who lives with integrity becomes a greater desire than our fear.  

Fearing rejection from friends or family keeps us quiet and hidden in the closet. Pride is about recognizing truth, embracing truth, living in truth and sharing truth with others.   

Moving past fear

Ferndale Pride 2024’s theme was “Transcendence,” and it was also the title of the Ferndale Pride Interfaith Service that took place on May 29.   

Transcendence is about climbing or rising above our circumstances.   

Each speaker at this service spoke to the fear many of us face during this election year, and how we can transcend to inner peace.   

Many LGBTQ+ identified folks have experienced the pain of losing so much after coming out, it is understandable why others chose to stay closeted and “go along to get along.”   

Twenty years ago, I attended a coming out group for Black gay men. During a session, one gentleman told the group, “If mamma and the church are not for me being gay, I’m not coming out of the closet.”  

Rejection from the three Ps — parents, preachers and politicians — can produce shame, fear and self-hatred. This is the closet.   

It’s like wearing shoes that are two sizes too small. It makes life cramped and painful. When you have been told most of your life, straighten up and fly straight, it is difficult to transcend into the life that is right-sized for you. 

I am grateful for Pride celebrations that attract those newly embracing their truths for the first time, our veterans of the gay rights movement, and strong allies who desire to create a community where everyone is safe and feels welcomed.  

Pride Month may be over, but pride keeps going

Although Pride Month has ended, pride celebrations will continue throughout the summer and fall.   

There is a unique opportunity for people to transcend from fear to truth this July.   

North America’s longest running, uninterrupted Black Pride, “Hotter Than July,” takes place in Detroit July 26-28. 

This year’s theme is “Be Glad It’s Hotter Than July” and the sponsoring organization, LGBT Detroit, is on the cusp of commemorating their 30th year advocating for and supporting people embracing their authentic selves.   

Hotter Than July will focus on the intersection of the Black church and LGBTQ+ identity, and will partner with local congregations to bring a conference and worship experience that will be incredible – featuring Grammy-nominated artist B Slade along with special guest Bishop Yvette Flunder. These events will facilitate healing dialogues along with dynamic music designed to break down the stigma that African American people of faith are not supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as serve as a bridge to unite communities that have long been separated.   

Hotter Than July is not a space only for people of color.   

All are welcome to experience the praise and pride the weekend will bring, including events like the Metropolitan Community Church’s People of African Descent conference, the Hotter Than July worship service, and the Heart and Soul Experience concert with B Slade. You can find more information about the events, including ticket cost, at www.hotterthanjuly.org and www.mccdetroit.org.   

You are invited to join us for a holy and prideful celebration.  

Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow is senior pastor and teacher at the Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online or in print.