When I was in New York City in May, I made it a point to spend some time in the West Village and pay my respects at the Stonewall Inn. For our community and movement, there are so few places of such significance as Stonewall, and I always feel a sense of gratitude and humility when I go and visit.
Pausing in Christopher Park, taking a few deep breaths, and giving thanks to my queer ancestors whose bravery and compassion built the world that I am able to inhabit, I lifted up names of those fighters who were there (Sylvia, Martha, Stormé), artists who have inspired me (Oscar, Langston, Audre), and the queerly beloved who I have known and loved and have shaped my life.
In the book of Hebrews, the author writes of the “great cloud of witnesses” who surround us as we carry on our faith. They are the giants on whose shoulders we stand. They are the mothers, fathers, and parents of our community who have taught us, led us, healed us, and empowered us.
I find this image so inspiring; the ancestors circling around us, supporting us, cheering us on, guiding us from the beyond. They were witnesses in their own life and they are witnessing us now, watching us as we continue on their work of liberation, justice, and love.
A lot of things drive my passion for LGBTQ+ equality, and one thing is definitely wanting to make those who came before me proud. I want them to know that I am keeping up the fight, that I’m continuing to run the race. And their work was not in vain because we are marching on toward more freedom together.
October is LGBTQ+ History Month and there is no better opportunity for us to reflect on the contributions we can make to our community in honor of the queer saints who came before us. We have a long history to be proud of and we can use it as inspiration in our work ahead.
Who is in your “great cloud of witnesses?” Who surrounds you and cheers you on whenever you are doing the work of justice and love for our community? Who do you want to make proud as you carry on their legacy?
I hope you have a few (maybe a lot) in your cloud, to support you and hold you in the days ahead. May their memory be a blessing to you and to our movement.
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Aaron
