For many years, June has been a time to celebrate the diversity of God’s LGBTQ+ children. Throughout the United Church of Christ, Pride Month is a time to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for human rights and dignity — especially within Christian spaces — while uplifting a community shaped by love and joy through a wide variety of identities and expressions.

This year, the annual observation has taken on particular significance to leaders and activists, due to the high number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been proposed and passed in many states.

“Pride month began as a riot and continues to be,” said Rachael Ward, UCC team lead and minister for gender and sexuality justice, and executive director of the UCC HIV & AIDS Network. “Not in the form of violence that media and fictional narratives like to share, but as a nonviolent display of queer resilience, joy and becoming. This year, queer siblings will defy the empire’s threats and celebrate louder. This year, love must be louder than the hatred and disembodying attempts of those in deep fear of God’s abundant and vibrant creation.”

Ward pointed to the many legislative attacks across the country — especially on trans youth — as evidence of the immediate need for taking action and speaking up this Pride Month.

“This year is like no other,” they said. “Nearly 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills so far have come before legislative bodies arguing over and attempting to disembody God’s Imago Dei imprinted upon queer bodies. And when one part of the body cries out, we all cry. But are we crying loud enough? Are we loving loud enough in action?”

The UCC National Setting is taking that call to love out loud seriously. Read more here.