By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

Sixty-four nations criminalize LGBT people. In the U.S., rights for Transgender and gender expansive people are being rolled back. Dozens of Trans* persons are violently killed in the U.S. every year. Drag performers are being demonized. More than a third of LBGTQ+ youth have reportedly considered self-harm because of family rejection, religious condemnation, or bullying.  

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people remains rampant despite Jesus’ Golden Rule from the Sermon on the Mount, the Torah’s command to love one’s neighbor, the Qur’an’s call to show kindness regardless of differences, compassion as a Sikh moral value, the Wiccan Rede (to harm none), the Buddhist desire for all to be free from suffering, and the Baha’i belief that kindness is transformational. 

With the religions of the world preaching love of neighbor, how is it that religion is weaponized against LGBTQ+ people? 

We must do what we can to protect, celebrate, and affirm the LGBTQ+ children of God. One thing that we can do is celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. LGBTQ+ Pride is defiance. It’s telling those who tried to impose shame on us that it won’t work anymore. The world is better for our rainbow contributions, and we know it. That’s what LGBTQ+ Pride is, and it is a blessing. 

This June, I wish you the sacred blessing of LGBTQ+ Pride. 

Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min., is the Senior Minister of Fort Lauderdale’s Sunshine Cathedral where an interfaith community Pride service will be held on June 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.