Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Pride activities are abundant this time of the year.  This coming Sunday I and a few others from St. Andrew’s will be joining in on the Pride Parade in downtown Toronto.  People from St. Andrew’s have participated in this Pride Parade for many years and I have myself as well.  Here are a few reflections about my experiences:

Dressed in a clergy shirt with my white clergy collar, a colourful garland around my neck and a pride flag parade draped across my shoulders and down my back is not my everyday wardrobe choice. 

It was a humbling experience – because they did not see me – no, through me and so many others, people saw the church standing with them, marching with them.  Through us they saw a church willing to embrace them.  Through us they saw a God with boundless love for all, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation or gender identity.  To be honest, I have never felt so much love for being who I am, than when walking in the Pride Parade in Toronto. 

Much of society has dismissed church.  Fewer and fewer people go to church on a regular basis.  Church has lost much power within society.  But when the church stands with people who are marginalized, when the church speaks out for those who are excluded, stereotyped and scapegoated, people still notice.  Time and time again, people would reach out to grab my hand, to give me a high five, to lean over and say thank you for being here. 

As I was walking along, I saw a man dressed in black leather, with tattoos up and down his arms.  He had a grizzled looking beard along with a gruff expression.  He moved towards me tight up against the fence that separated the onlookers from the parade participants.  He stuck out his hand.  I grabbed his hand with a firm handshake and looked into his eyes.  I was surprised at what I saw.  I saw tenderness, peace and love in those eyes and he said to me – thank you for being here!  It makes a difference!  Behind him was another man with tears in his eyes.

I am a white cisgendered educated male.  I am far wealthier than many.  All of those things give me more privilege in our society than most.  I have a choice what to do with that privilege.  This Sunday again, I am choosing to walk in the Pride Parade in Toronto.  I invite you to join me.

Take good care

Marty