June is widely recognised as Pride Month. What should Christians make of these events, and why do we still need them? Our newly appointed Diocesan LGBTQIA+ Chaplain, Andrew Howorth, offers this reflection.
Most historians trace the modern Pride movement to the Stonewall Riots in New York. In the early hours of 28 June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. Such raids were common, but this time patrons and residents resisted. Days of demonstrations and clashes followed. For many, the uprising was long overdue after years of police brutality and harassment. It became a symbol of LGBTQ+ resistance and visibility.
A year later, in June 1970, activists held the first Christopher Street Liberation Day marches to mark Stonewall and call for equal rights. These annual marches spread internationally. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Pride grew alongside campaigns against criminalisation, workplace discrimination, the AIDS crisis, and ongoing violence against LGBTQ+ people.
For some, the word “Pride” is difficult because it is also one of the seven deadly sins. But here it was intended as the opposite of shame. Activists urged LGBTQ+ people to live openly and with dignity rather than hide through fear or stigma. “Out of the closets and into the streets” became a common slogan as more people found confidence to embrace who they believed themselves to be.
Modern Pride events often combine protest and political activism with celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and culture. Around the world, some countries still impose the death penalty for consensual same-sex relationships, often using religion to justify it. Only this week in our own Diocesan area I have heard frightening stories of homophobic hate crime still occurring. So, As Christians what are we to make of Pride?
Pride matters not because it asks people to abandon faith, but because it calls them to live out the heart of the Gospel: love, dignity, compassion, truthfulness, and solidarity with those who have been rejected or wounded.
Jesus consistently moved toward those who were excluded, judged, or treated as less worthy. He ate with those others condemned, defended the vulnerable, and taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbour. In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Pride Month is a chance to live out that command by recognising the humanity and worth of LGBT+ people.
Pride also matters because it remembers history. LGBT people have faced violence, criminalisation, family rejection, bullying, and exclusion, including within churches. Some still do. A Christian reflection on Pride cannot ignore the pain caused when faith communities fail to reflect the love and acceptance of God. Repentance is deeply Christian and acknowledging harm while seeking a more loving path is part of spiritual growth.
At its best, Pride is not just celebration but testimony. It says, “We are here, we are loved by God, and we should not have to live in fear or shame.” Many LGBT Christians say they discovered that God’s grace did not disappear because of who they are. Instead, honesty, authenticity, and community brought them closer to God.
Pride Month can therefore challenge us all to ask difficult but holy questions:
- Do our churches reflect Christ’s welcome?
- Are we listening before judging?
- Are we protecting the dignity of vulnerable people?
- Do people experience God’s love through us?
Christians may still hold different theological views on sexuality and gender. But even in disagreement, the Gospel leaves little room for cruelty, mockery, hatred, or dehumanisation. 1 Corinthians chapter 13 teaches that without love, even the strongest faith is as nothing.
I want to suggest that Pride Month matters because every person bears the image of God. Supporting the safety, dignity, and humanity of LGBT people is not separate from Christian faith; it is one way of living out the command to love one another, whoever you are.
Happy Pride month everyone.