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Celebrating Pride and the events that surround it is a great way to support the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth. Pride movement is providing opportunities for kids to have safe places to express themselves and to be embraced by a community that loves and supports them and that gives positive attention, love, and support to all.  

In addition to supporting the LQBTQ+ community, taking part in Pride and living it is so important when you consider our own kids. As a church community, we need to be an example to our children, to show them how to be a part of something bigger. We don’t know if our kids will grow up to be gay or trans or face some sort of reality that sets them apart from others. It’s our job TODAY to show them that we will be supportive of who they are in any scenario, whether that be in their personal life, education, or in their relationship with God. Celebrating Pride matters, because it shows our kids that we will support them throughout their lives, as they grow and become themselves. There’s so much uncertainty everybody must face as they grow up and showing the kids how much we love them is the best way to help them develop into strong, kind, loving people.

This is just one of the many reasons why celebrating Pride matters. In addition, it is also a wonderful way to have fun and bond as a church community. Fellowship is something everybody needs. It brings people to the same level and helps people relax together. The Pride Parade is a fun activity that strengthens bonds within our church.

Plan to be a part of the celebration, and march with the Reconciling In Christ Churches of Omaha on July 16 in the Annual Heartland Pride Parade. There is a signup in the Narthex, as well as an email will be sent to you to sign up online.  

Whether you’re a part of the LGBTQ community or an ally, whether your life has been impacted by the struggles or not, celebrating and living Pride shows LGBTQ+ people that there is a community for them right here at Holy Cross Lutheran, and instills hope and confidence for a bright future.  

June is national Pride Month, a month-long event that commemorates the Stonewall riots on the 28th of June 1969. It is a month that ‘celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community…a time to reflect on just how far civil rights have progressed in half a century and an opportunity to protest discrimination and violence.’ 

Article written by congregation member Rohn Collins.