On Saturday I attended a wonderful Pride Fair celebration in the City of Alexandria, Virginia on the plaza right outside of City Hall. Various civic, business, religious, and governmental groups and organizations were represented in the booths and there was a friendly, chill vibe, with lots of families attending.
Unlike the Washington D.C. Pride celebration earlier this month that I also attended that was a bit more militant, political and commercialized, this felt really supportive and comfortable. It was cool to see the face painting and balloon animals for children and I personally participated in filling in a community coloring page, using crayons for the first time in a lot of years. People were invariably friendly and reflected the widely shared sentiment that “all are welcome.”
The official Pride Month (June) is coming to an end, but I am hoping that we can continue to support and respect each other in our words and in our actions. We do not have to agree on all points, but I am hoping that we can turn aside the wings of hate and negativity that threaten to engulf us all. I am reminded of the quotation attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi that was on the inside door of a church that I used to attend, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I too hope that the messages of Pride continue well beyond June. We need passionate and concerted activism to preserve and extend rights and we also need the comfort of community. As an ally, I will be doing my part to contribute to both of those efforts.
Thanks, Laura, for your very kind comments (and thanks for your support and encouragement). I try to avoid being overtly political in my postings, but some current policies seemed aimed at walking back the progress achieved reached in the understanding and acceptance of people as they are. I’ve become a little more vocal in my support so that those who feel threatened do not feel like they are alone.
Isn’t it ridiculous that existing and experiencing tolerance, acceptance, and support is seen as a political act rather than an expression of essential humanity and compassion?
It sure is crazy, but unfortunately it is true in the current politically polarized situation in the US.
I NEVER miss a post by Mr. Mike though seldom, anymore, leave a comment. I MUST do so regarding today’s important one! Amidst the present political turbulence it is now vitally important and necessary to speak out against the intolerant vile and hateful rhetoric that has become endless. Yet, we must not allow ourselves to feel defeated or hopeless. As Harvey Milk said : “Hope will never be silent. Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” On a side note : this year’s Pride Month saw the change of name for the HSNS Harvey Milk T-AO-206. Coincidence…I think not!! Thank-YOU, Mr. Mike!!
I somehow missed this comment initially, but went back and found it after you mentioned it in a comment today. Thanks so much for being willing to stand with one of the many groups that has come under attack by this administration. I generally try to avoid controversy on the blog, but some things are so important that continued silence is not an option. It brings to mind Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” I know that I risk losing some viewers by taking an open stand, but I am ok with that.