Doesn’t it seem like every month America is celebrating something? Personally, I find it a bit annoying, as it seems like the “celebrations” are politicized. In case you didn’t know, June has been declared “Pride Month” by the governing forces of the United States. Pride Month has roots all the way back to 1969 with the Stonewall Riots. Let me just say this before I go any further: Violence against anyone for their beliefs is absolutely sinful, as I would classify it.
On June 11, 1999, President Bill Clinton endorsed Proclamation 7203 which recognizes the “anniversary of the Stonewall Riots every June in America as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.”1 So there you have it. Every June, you can mark it on your calendars if you would like.
Now the LGBTQ+ community waves the rainbow flag they stole from the biblical narrative of Noah’s Ark. Isn’t that something? The rainbow is a promise from God to never destroy Earth by a flood again. So the pridesters use the symbol of God’s promise to promote their lifestyle. May I say thank you to the pride community for recognizing there is a God? So let’s get on with it.
What is pride? Most Americans couldn’t answer this anymore because it’s relative. Merriam-Webster says pride “is the quality or state of being proud, such as reasonable self-esteem, confidence and satisfaction in oneself; self-respect.2 I, personally, think that is a good definition — simple, but true. Let’s use it in a sentence, if I may: Bud Light was so proud of their brand they used transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney to promote their beer. How did that work out for the rainbow supporters? Let’s just say I hope your portfolio didn’t have Anheuser-Busch stock in it!
Pride in America says you can be who you want to be — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and whatever the plus is for. Maybe dogs, cats, minor attraction people or furries — it’s all exclusive when you’re staying at the rainbow factory. That’s a thought. What would be left if they all actually stayed together for a time? Yikes!
Many would say my tones and word choices are transphobic and it’s possible they may cause someone to be triggered. However, my thoughts are just playing by the rainbow rules. Pride grows by the god called “relativism.” Dr. Isa simplifies the term, “relativism is the philosophy that denies absolutes. Any absolutes.”3 So, in theory, there is no absolute right or wrong — only the red herring of what society deems as acceptable. Pride says it’s okay to mutilate your flesh and be whoever you want. Pride says children should be exposed to drag shows. Shut up parents! Pride says you can please yourself in any way and with anyone. And there are multiple “hip hop” artists that will help you understand how to do this. “Express Yourself,” sings Madonna! Sorry, this isn’t transphobic or insensitive. It may be a bit vulgar; but, at the core, this is the real celebration of Pride Month. So put on your favorite outfit and dress as your feelings sway you. And welcome to Pride Month. Enjoy the show!
The ancient proverb says: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” — Proverbs 16:18-19
Rev. Brad Standfest
Senior Pastor
Almont Vineyard Church
