{"id":1982,"date":"2013-06-18T17:26:50","date_gmt":"2013-06-18T23:26:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/affirmation.org\/?p=1982"},"modified":"2021-10-03T08:30:05","modified_gmt":"2021-10-03T14:30:05","slug":"mormon-pride-in-dc-a-report-from-our-booth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affirmation.org\/pt\/mormon-orgulho-em-dc-um-relatorio-de-nosso-estande\/","title":{"rendered":"Orgulho M\u00f3rmon em DC: Um Relat\u00f3rio de Nosso Estande"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"dc_pride_03_750\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

People are marching–not only in parades across the country, but by spreading this message of love (as well as education) to others within the LDS community<\/h3>\n

by James Brinton<\/p>\n

\u00bb\u00a0The Affirmation Booth<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0Pictures<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

See also:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0A Mother\u2019s Perspective<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0When the Baxters Joined In<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

On June 8-9th I had the amazing experience of marching with the Mormons in DC’s pride parade with messages of love! In Utah, there were\u00a0Mormons Building Bridges<\/a><\/strong>. In DC, there were\u00a0Mormons for Equality<\/a><\/strong>. I also helped staff and coordinate the booth for Affirmation–LGBT Mormons. So much has been going on in the intersection of Mormonism and LGBT topics in the last few years, that it was time to update our presentation with posters and material of current web resources for youth and families, current research, and information about ally groups fostering dialogue within and without our faith community. Altogether, this information let people know they are not alone, promoted evidence-based education on LGBT issues, helped individuals navigate pathways of faith and sexuality, informed of growing numbers of straight allies in the church, and fostered faith in Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

On Saturday we marched in the Pride parade. After a tremendously moving experience at last year’s Pride parade, I could hardly wait to go again. My cousin, her husband, and two kids drove all the way from Boston to show love and support in word and action, saying that if others in the family weren’t ready to show unconditional love and support, that they (my cousins) were there to represent the whole extended family for now. The group of marchers made amazing signs and the crowd cheered as we walked through the neighborhoods of Washington DC. Once more, I was flooded with feelings of love and joy as I walked and held a poster that said \u201cLove: The Most Important Part of an Eternal Family.\u201d<\/p>\n

An overwhelming trend, still all too common, is that when an LGBT Mormon comes out of the closet, they often face tremendous misunderstanding, opposition, and hostility from LDS family and friends. Many are kicked out of their homes and faith community, ostracized by family members, and are at great risk of committing suicide. Numerous stories have been told of lives and families ripped apart because of teachings of the church and actions of church leaders and LDS families of LGBT Mormons. Slowly, with more dialogue happening about these tragedies, some are starting to respond with increased listening, empathy and love to LGBT individuals.<\/p>\n

One quote from the church’s official website, www.MormonsAndGays.org<\/strong><\/a> states that, \u201cJesus Christ commanded us to love our neighbors. Whether sinner or saint, rich or poor, stranger or friend, everyone in God’s small world is our neighbor, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. Latter-day Saints believe that our true commitment to Christian teachings is revealed by how we respond to this commandment.\u201d Demonstrating this commitment in action, people are marching–not only in parades across the country, but by spreading this message of love (as well as education) to others within the LDS community. My friend Maggie made a sign that said \u201cFree Hugs from Mormons 4 Marriage Equality\u201d and we hugged hundreds of people throughout the weekend! Some people shouted, \u201cI\u2019m one of you! I\u2019m from Utah too!\u201d Others blew kisses, thanked us for our support and work to increase dialogue in our community. Gabe kept the crowd’s energy high by running in her super hero cape and giving hugs to onlookers reaching out to us.<\/p>\n

<\/a>The Affirmation Booth<\/p>\n

On Sunday we set up our Affirmation DC Chapter booth along Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol Building. Many people came by to attend the Capital Pride Festival. A taste of who came by:<\/p>\n