Love Demands Queer Liberation Now

I’m thinking a lot about liberation today! I’m still thinking of Juneteenth, liberation and reparations for Black folx. And, I’m also thinking of all the amazing activists and love warriors who’ve worked for queer justice across the globe. Just this week, someone wrote from another country, letting us know that the affirming theology we put into the world is what’s helping them hang on. This is life and death work, and Middle Church proclaims abundant life for so many people.
For example, just this week we offered Queer Faith: Beyond the Gender Binary, the video we produced and debuted on member Georgia Bridgers’ YouTube page, featuring trans and nonbinary faith leaders from different religious traditions, offering words of hope and comfort to trans and nonbinary kids. Already, that gift has about 3,000 views. And this month Queer Black Men in the Middle, Middle Out Loud and our Queer Roundtable discussions have created meeting space for hundreds. Plus, we can’t wait to see some of you in the streets this weekend!
On Sunday, we’ll be at the Queer Liberation March, tabling PrideFest, and have a gorgeous commercial airing in the nycpride.org virtual parade that all our non-NYC folks can tune in to watch! And that’s on top of a fabulous Pride worship at 11:45 a.m. ET, where our beloved Wesley Rowell will preach a sermon, “Flaming!” For all the ways you can celebrate Pride with us, visit the website.
I also want to make sure you join at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday for an important congregational meeting to let you know some updates about Middle Church, and our plans for next year. Please, register now and make your plans to attend!
You are fabulous: Fiercely and wondrously made. And together, we’re going to continue growing this movement of love and justice until we reclaim and reframe the very foundations of Christianity and this country alike, with our pride in who we are, with our resistance of systems of oppression, and with the joy that comes from being our authentic selves. I’m so proud of all the ways you show up in love, and love you so deeply.
-Jacqui