LET’S CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” —Galatians 3:28
Pride Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide. In the USA, LGBTQ+ Pride is celebrated throughout June, commemorating its roots in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City. Those protests sparked the beginning of the gay rights movement in America. Today millions in cities around the world participate in marches, rallies, and community gatherings celebrating queer history, culture, and visibility.
LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or “questioning”), with a “+” sign to recognize limitless sexual orientations and gender identities (see Human Rights Campaign).
In 2026, The Episcopal Church will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our church affirming that “LGBTQ+ people have a full and equal claim to the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the church. The journey to make that promise a reality continues today, as we remember the struggles, celebrate the joy, and give thanks for love and for lives that refuse to be erased. Today . . . discernment for the ministries of bishop, priest, deacon, and lay leadership is open to all without discrimination. We celebrate and give thanks for the beauty, strength, and sacred worth of LGBTQ+ leaders across all contexts and callings.” Our Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW) leaders have also affirmed that “as people of the resurrected Christ, we are committed to ongoing self-examination, learning, and amendment of life in our pursuit of becoming a diocese of inclusion and belonging.”
Washington DC Capital Pride Events: This year’s theme is “Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity!” The Capital Pride Parade is on Saturday, June 20, and the festival and concert are on Sunday, June 21. EDOW will be marching in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 20. Register to walk with diocese.
Rockville Pride Event: The city of Rockville celebrates Pride Month with an annual event at the Rockville Town Center Park at The Square. This year’s event is on Sunday, June 7, from 2 to 5 pm. It is free, open to all ages, and wheelchair accessible. Join our clergy and congregants at Ascension’s table at the event!
Questions? Contact the Ascension Equity & Justice Committee at ascensionaejc@gmail.com.
