My First Gay Pride Parade— #ResistMarch

A guest post by Anne Linstatter

ResistMarch Photo by Anne Linstatter — Photo – Anne Linstatter

When the first gay pride parade in history took place in Los Angeles in 1970, I wasn’t there, either physically or emotionally. Organized by Troy Perry and two friends to commemorate the Stonewall uprising a year earlier, gay pride parades have since become annual events around the world.

When I was 21, in 1970, I believed what I heard at my church— that same-sex unions were not okay with God. Since then, thanks to books like Is the Homosexual My Neighbor, by CFT members Virginia Ramey Mollenkott and Letha Dawson Scanzoni, I have learned there is no biblical basis for that belief.

"God Has No Gender" -- Sign at ResistMarch -- Photo by Anne Linstatter — Photo – Anne Linstatter

Since coming to my new understanding, I’ve participated in many AIDS Walks, but never a Pride parade. I never felt right about participating, since I’m just an ally, not an LGBTQ person.

This year, however, the Los Angeles gay pride parade returned to its political roots and became the #ResistMarch. Organizers made this change to protest the actions of our current administration, from the attempt to ban travel from seven primarily Muslim nations to the ongoing legislative action aimed at repealing and replacing Obamacare to pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement.

When I heard about the name change, I knew I had to be there. I participated in the women’s march in Los Angeles on January 21, 2017, and I see protesting the policies of the current administration as my patriotic duty.

On Sunday, June 11, beginning at 8 am, I joined at least 30,000 others in taking to the streets of LA.

My Episcopal church participated, as did many other churches. Quite a few signs were carried by people coming from a specifically Christian perspective. “This is the gay that the Lord hath made” was my favorite, carried by a young man.

"Love Never Fails" -- Sign at ResistMarch -- Photo by Anne Linstatter — Photo – Anne Linstatter

Others were:

Love never fails! 1 Corinthians 13:8.
Sometimes prayer brings miracles, other times it brings helping hands. Get involved. United Methodist Church.
Jesus loves us too.
Jesus had 2 dads and he turned out fine. (Well, only if you’re thinking of the Creator as “God the Father.”)
“America got grabbed.”
“Pride not Prejudice.”
“This is the last straw.”

The march was opened by Karina Samala, a Filipina trans woman. Speakers included the Reverend Troy Perry, RuPaul, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Representatives Maxine Waters, Adam Schiff, and Ted Lieu.

More information:

Official Resist March website

Resist March on Twitter