Jesus went where people are. So do we.
Historically, Pride arose as a march of people longing for dignity amidst dehumanization; life in the face of death; human connection in the face of isolation and invisibility.
Today, Pride continues as a time of dignity, visibility, and celebration of life. It reminds LGBTQ+ people that, though hardships abound, they are valued and loved.
NYC Pride is the largest pride event in the world – with as many as 5 million of our neighbors from “every tribe, tongue, and nation” in attendance.
Every year, Kaleidoscope is present at a variety of Pride events to proclaim to our own people that, through Christ, we can turn toward our Creator as our whole selves – and belong in God’s Chosen Family marked by Jesus’ justice and mercy. Read on to glimpse what Pride month looks like at Kaleidoscope.
Showing up tangibly to witness a better story of Queer people, authentic faith, and supportive community.
Free Mom & Dad Hugs
Christian parents offer hugs to LGBTQ+ Pride festival attendees.
“I felt pretty awkward the first time I went to give hugs two years ago. I can't express how significant and impactful it was for me! I also have no measurable gauge for how it impacted all the people I hugged, but I know what some of them told me:
‘I haven't seen my dad in years. Thank you for that dad hug.’
’Wow. I haven't even been hugged in a long time.’
I also saw several crying just because they appreciated that someone would go out of their way to love them.
For me, I felt like I was actually doing something Jesus would do. I felt like I could love on some of the ones who are most often hurt by the church. I felt like I could fill a parent space for some who had lost that connection. I felt like I could show people what unconditional love could look like. It changed me in a lot of ways!”
–A Dad & volunteer at Free Mom & Dad Hugs
Ally Apologies
Straight, cisgender Christians take ownership for individual and collective wrongs the Church has committed against LGBTQ+ people and communities.
“I was nervous to be a Christian holding up an ‘I’m Sorry’ sign at Pride. How would people react? It felt vulnerable.
Initially, people seemed on-edge, wondering what the sign would say. After reading, people’s bodies begin to relax. Their hearts seemed genuinely touched and healed.
Many people gave a grin, a nod, a thumbs up, or held a palm to their heart. Dozens asked if they could take photos, often to send to a loved one who might appreciate the words. Others would draw near and begin sharing with us all their experiences of hurt. These were sacred moments that were not only healing for passersby, but for us as well.
I used to think allyship meant just not doing further harm. Now I know it means actively participating in the healing. This experience proved to me that my presence at pride, even as a straight and cisgender Christians, can truly can make a positive difference.”
Appreciate our work?
Kaleidoscope is a Queer, women- and minority-led grassroots organization. We gratefully exist thanks to our generous support community. During June, all new or increased monthly gifts are tripled, and all one-time gifts are doubled thanks to two generous matching partners. If you appreciate our work, we invite you to become a donor today.
"Queerness Is..." Pop-Up
At Washington Square Park, folks participate in a community art project. Artists receive a card with a word of affirmation about God's love for Queer people.
“Ashley, a young Trans woman, stumbled upon our pop-up after a long day posting flyers for her musical. ‘This was just the kind of rest I needed,’ she told us. She lingered, painted with bright colors on our banner, and opened up about how writing and performing a musical has helped her heal from losing her home in the 9/11 attacks.
She reflected on our surprisingly Queer and faith-based art event: ‘You guys really threw me off — in a good way.’ She left us with a flyer and a full heart.”
Pride Festival Booths
At The Bronx and Manhattan Pride, we offer free iced tea, stickers, zines, info about our year-round programs, & prayer by & for Queer people.
We were setting up our booth at NYC Pride when Gary walked by. Our tea station was set up, so we offered him an ice-cold cup. He struck up a conversation with us.
“For years, I played piano and sang at my church,” Gary said. “But when I came out, I was asked to leave. That’s when I realized they’d cared not so much about who I was, but for what I could do for them.”
Gary had a quiet resilience and a beautiful tenderness. His soft heart seemed to long for a better ending to the story. In a safe space, over a cup of tea, Gary boldly took an opportunity to feel heard and seen by people of faith – not for what he did, but for who he was. We met a gay man who, a decade further than us on the journey, raised the bar for us in embodying hope, resilience, and kindness. As he left, we all felt encouraged. Maybe this was one small step toward a better story.
Join the Movement
Kaleidoscope is a Queer-led grassroots organization joining with humble allies, ministers, family members, and fellow LGBTQ+ people to help write a better story for Queer people exploring or growing in faith in Jesus. Join the movement by following, donating, and joining us next year.