If every person encloses a universe, behold the multiverse of today’s LA Pride parade route in Hollywood. A hundred thousand came to the 54th annual parade, organizers predicted. LGBTQIA+? PFLAG? Supportive? Curious? Wanting to be entertained?
You’d have to ask everyone. I would have liked to. This afternoon I rode in splendor on the back of a red Mustang convertible while 100 of my Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles siblings marched. I felt like Sydney Sweeney in the video for the Stones’ song “Angry,” riding along Sunset in her red Mercedes. People of all conditions were smiling and waving, cheering and dancing. If you’re riding in a parade, people want to make eye contact. One wanted a kiss for their birthday. I blew them one. I called out to another who had Jackie Robinson’s 42 on their cap.
We were in solidarity especially with those for whom the rainbow flag flies. They deserve their own questions, about what it’s like to feel ever since childhood that they didn’t belong, didn’t fit in, weren’t lovable or worth loving. What it’s like living in a world where most movies and TV shows are still about cisgendered heterosexual people. Where people make fun of them, their clothing and makeup, and their pronouns. Where politicians preach hate and use them for leverage to win elections.
According to the Bible, everyone at LA Pride was made in the image of God. According to the Declaration of Independence, they are all entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. According to common sense, they are all just like everyone else. Every one of them with parents, most with siblings, some with children and grandchildren, all with favorite sports, music, and types of food, detergent, and toothpaste. Everyone is normal.
The prophets among us who have been struggling for justice for a half-century say that we’ve made a lot of progress, with a lot of work left to do. It’s hard work, loving everyone as ourselves, especially if we’re feeling insecure or are afraid of losing something. Because we failed, Jesus died. Because he lives, we persist. The kingdom of God is like a Pride parade where no one’s home and everyone’s out, dancing in the streets.
