Pride Month, Christianity, and Why I Choose Love
A few years ago, if someone had told me I’d be writing an article about Pride Month on Emily’s Maids cleaning blog, I probably would have laughed and changed the subject. Not because I want to wish my fellow human beings Happy Pride Month (which I do!), but also because recently, I came across a social media post that mocked Pride Month and LGBTQ people in the worse way while promoting “American Pride” (right) as the only pride worth celebrating. The post wasn’t unique. Similar messages appear every June across social media feeds throughout Texas.
As someone who grew up around Christians, conservatives, and plenty of strong opinions, I’ve learned that people can disagree passionately about theology, politics, and culture. But I’ve also learned something else…. Disagreement does not require disrespect…. nor hate. And sadly, the hate, hostility, and harshness in the Texas air feels especially heavy these days.
Many Christians sincerely believe the Bible teaches that marriage is between a man and a woman. They are entitled to that belief. And Fortunetly, many Christians also believe the Bible’s central message is one of radical love, grace, humility, and compassion. Those ideas do not have to be enemies.
In fact, when you read the Gospels, you’ll notice something interesting. Jesus spent remarkably little time condemning people and an extraordinary amount of time loving them. He ate with people others rejected. He spoke with people others avoided. He showed kindness to people others judged. And perhaps most importantly, He constantly reminded religious people not to confuse righteousness with self-righteousness.
One of the most quoted verses in Christianity is John 13:35:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.“
Not if you win arguments. Not if you post the best meme. Not if you make sure everyone knows you’re right…. If you love one another.
I’ve lived in multiple countries and traveled to nearly 40 more. One lesson travel has taught me is that people are remarkably similar regardless of where they’re from. Most people want to be loved. Most people want to belong. Most people want to feel accepted by their families and communities. And that includes LGBTQ people.
Whether someone agrees or disagrees with same-sex relationships from a theological perspective, I struggle to find a biblical justification for treating people with contempt, ridicule, or hostility. The reality is that many LGBTQ individuals have experienced rejection, isolation, bullying, and even violence. Christians don’t have to abandon their beliefs to acknowledge that reality. In fact, I would argue the opposite. Our beliefs should make us more compassionate, not less; more willing to listen, not less; more willing to love, not less.
Pride Month means different things to different people. For some, it’s a celebration. For others, it’s a reminder of a difficult history. For many, it’s simply about wanting to be treated with dignity and respect. Regardless of where someone stands politically or theologically, I believe we can all do better than insults, mockery, and division. The world already has enough of those.
What the world needs more of is kindness.
And that’s the side I want to be on. Not because I have all the answers, but because I believe love is stronger than fear, stronger than anger, and ultimately what makes life beautiful. Sounds quite happy-hippy of me to say, but in a world that often seems determined to divide itself into opposing camps, that feels like a good place to start.