October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to honor the people and movements that paved the way for our community today.
As God reminds us in Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Our history is filled with people courageously stepping into the fullness of who they are.
In 1969, the Stonewall Uprising, lead by our transgender community and queer activists in New York City, sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Just a few years later, in 1977, Harvey Milk became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, showing the power and importance of representation.
The AIDS epidemic of the 80’s and 90’s brought both devastating loss and the rise of powerful activism and community support, especially from the tireless work and advocacy of our lesbian community, that demanded compassion, research, and care.
In 1993, the military implemented “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, which forced service members to hide their identities until its repeal in 2011. Only four years later, in 2015, the Supreme Court recognized marriage equality as the law of the land, a milestone many thought they would never see in their lifetimes.
In 2018, the first openly transgender recruit signed a contract to serve in the U.S. military, marking a significant step toward inclusion. Later, in 2021, Dr. Rachel Levine was sworn in as the first openly transgender four-star officer in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a groundbreaking achievement in both the military and public health sectors.
These moments, spaced by decades of struggle and resilience, remind us of the call in 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God.”
Every story is valid. Every step matters. And every person deserves a world that greets their truth with love, not fear. As Psalm 139:14 declares: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
October 11th is National Coming Out Day, a reminder that coming out is more than a single moment; it is an ongoing journey of community, honesty, courage, and freedom. Coming out means choosing to live authentically, to let go of shame, and to step fully into the life God has always intended for us. For some, it happens in bold declarations; for others, it unfolds quietly over time.
If you’re struggling, or even juggling your decision to come out authenticity as your true self, or just need someone to lean on through your journey, the Pride & Faith group at First Church is here to help however we can.
Please use the links below for resources and reflection.