LGBTQ History Month
LGBTQ History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
ReconcilingWorks will be celebrating these icons on our social media pages. You take a sneak peak at the entire list by visiting http://www.lgbthistorymonth.com/.
Suggested prayer for LGBTQ History Month:
"Holy Spirit, thank you for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people who have come before in this work. We stand on the shoulders of the pioneers we celebrate during LGBTQ History Month. Thank you for the good gifts you have given every member of Body of Christ for the good of the whole church. Blow through our Lutheran church, that we may celebrate these gifts you have given people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions."
Background: In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
This first ever "Gay and Lesbian History Month" was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBTQ History Month.
Coming Out Day
"God of hosts, you who called the apostle Paul out of a life of zealous persecution to become a public voice of your all-encompassing love, be with people of all gender identities and sexual orientations as we strive to live authentically and boldly as the people you have made us to be. Let our lives be a public witness to the love we find in you."
RESOURCES:
Spirit Day
Spirit Day encourages all to make a public witness against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Observed annually since 2010, individuals, congregations, schools, organizations, corporations, and public figures wear purple, which symbolizes “spirit” on the rainbow flag.
Suggested prayer petition for Oct. 16 (Anticipating Spirit Day on Oct. 20)
"Holy Spirit, you have promised to wipe away the tears from all faces. We ask your presence to be made known to all those living in quiet despair, those filled with fear and self-hatred, those who struggle to find their place in this world. We ask your particular guidance on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in their journeys of self-discovery. May your peace guard their hearts and minds."
IDEAS:
- Deck your worship space out in purple for the week – Banners!
- Invite everyone to wear purple and snap a photo
- Announce Spirit Day on your congregation’s marquis or exterior sign
- Encourage a message about anti-bullying
- Plan worship themed about anti-bullying
- Check out ReconcilingWorks' anti-bullying resource, Where All Can Safely Live
- Invite congregation members to take the Spirit Day Pledge. Use your congregational newsletter, or set up lap-top computers after worship for people to go to GLAAD’s Spirit Day Page
- Write an opinion piece/letter to the editor, explaining why you and your place of worship are participating in Spirit Day
Reformation Day
"God our refuge, we thank you for the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus. May we be good stewards of that freedom, seeking ways to live out the vision of the household of God, where all may experience your peace and love. We thank you for our ministry partnership with ReconcilingWorks and for their ministry with and among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people."