Pagans are known for being inclusive, fun-loving, and accepting. Yes, there is that idea that getting along in Pagan circles is like herding cats, but in reality, whatever you are into as a person, there is a space for you in some tradition or some practice. We are a family kaleidoscope in many ways. You are accepted and welcome within our communities for who you are, rather than being shunned or rejected for who you are not. For example, within traditional conservative spaces in the United States, a festival such as Babylon Rising that embraces the discussion and practice of magick and ritual would not be welcome.
Pride Flag [Image Credit: MJTM]
Pride Month contains a dual purpose for all people, but especially for Pagans. Within the Pagan community and it compatriots, those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ are common and there is no shame or judgment for choosing to live boldly for who we are. This is a joyous gift that makes our community more welcoming. For those who arrive in our community from traumatic ravages caused a family-faith-of-origin, our space is a refuge. For example, those who grew up with restricted religious norms including the condemnation of purity culture in Christianity, patriarchal structures in general within certain religions, or the legalized nature of Halakhah in Judaism may find the all-embracing earth-based nature focus a space where the individual can breathe fully.
Gender and custom are rigid handcuffs for many in a world where restrictions abound. One common phrase I heard often upon my entry into the world of Paganism, Heathenry, and polytheism was the person who sought refuge from organized religion. While I understand it, the irony for myself has been how many of the traditions I have seen are a form of organized religion in the sense that there structure with ritual worship as a group or individual. The very choice to observe ritual space at various times of the year or a variety of life cycle events creates structure. What it does not do automatically, however, is to strangle the heart and soul of the individual with that structure.
When the individual finds the perfect spot of freedom within any given practice, they have found peace. Fortunately, the freedom to stay or to go is at the heart of many of our traditions. It makes our practices a bit odd for those who are in monotheist practices or other religious paths which do not fall under the very large Pagan or earth-based tradition umbrella.
We are fluid. We take pride in our fluidity and our ability to explore and to revel in all aspects of who we are – physically, spiritually, intellectually, sexually, and creatively. We find ways to include rather than exclude.
Pride month is a celebration of civil rights, and an acknowledgment of the importance of fighting back against open persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals, as demonstrated by the Stonewall Inn Riots in June 1969.
Those riots marked a confluence in the rise of civil rights struggles including other types of segregation and disenfranchisement that reached its height in the late 1960s.
For those who seek freedom from restrictions, Pride month is a reminder that we are acceptable as we are. It reminds us that our value and our worth continue to be battles that we need to fight, while taking the time to celebrate. We fly the rainbow flag of inclusivity and accepting ourselves on all levels.
Sadly, as we are not even 30 years past the first acknowledgement of Pride Month by President Clinton, we are reverting. Certain states, such as Indiana, Utah, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Alabama have passed state or local proclamations declaring June as anything but Pride Month. In Utah, June is now Fidelity Month much to the shock of the local LGBTQ+ community. The irony is that Governor Spencer Cox was the first Utah governor to recognize Pride Month, where his office notes: “The survival of the United States depends on the shared bonds of faith, family and patriotism; and Whereas, it is fitting to observe one month each year to rededicate the United States to its core values.”
In conservative Arkansas, the month of May ended with a similar proclamation by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The use of the entire month, not a week, nor a day, sends a clear erasure message: the battles fought for, by, and on behalf of entire LGBTQ+ community, and other oppressed minorities are simply square pegs who don’t fit into round holes; therefore, their needs and even presence does not exist.
Erasure, however, sends its own message.
When Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama proudly posts June as Strong Families Month in the state, she ignores the reality that there are many who create stable one-, two-, and multi-parent households. It does not need to be simple a male and a female raising children.
Just because the wrapping looks pretty, doesn’t mean what’s inside is gorgeous.
How many know of households where abuse has occurred, yet on the outside there are two opposite sex parents and allegedly happy children? Gender does not ensure a strong family: love, patience, and ethical fortitude with a willingness to be open and not to give up do that.
When you have families consisting of LGBTQ+ individuals who raise as their own children who are not in families of origin, due to illness, death, adoption, and other life circumstances, they are just as strong, and I’d argue even stronger than the two-parent heterosexual family.
In Indiana, Governor Mike Braun chose the term Nuclear Family Month, which insults all single parent households, including those where one parent is lost due to death. Should a heterosexual quickly re-marry to provide an intact “nuclear family” or should common sense prevail where what is needed is a happy, stable, family, not just one that conforms to certain pre-established norms? Tennessee added its own version last year, with its own undated proclamation for 2025 and continues for the year 2026.
What scares me right now, in this chaotic nation filled with statements of patriotism that ring hollow as empty promises is the switch to a federal level, such as the recent effort of Republican Mary Miller of Illinois to erase the pride in Pride Month completely. She has no qualms about erasing what has brought joy, awareness, and acknowledgement for millions of Americans. As a nation often called a melting pot, it looks and smells like burnt cheese rather than an enticing stew.
Words such as “rededicating our Nation” are code words and enticing red meat for those who would choose to erase those who stand with Pride every day.
If you live in one of these states, stay strong, and do what you can to prevent this virus from spreading to other states. Politicians love to stay in office and for that, they need votes. Let’s make sure they remember we are still a democracy with the right to toss out who is in charge.
We take the time to celebrate in June as a reminder that we’re here and we’re not going anywhere.
Happy Pride, all!
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