Friday, July 2, 2010

Pride March Thank You

A message from Paul Lane:

As the organizer of the Pride March contingent for the Committee on LGBT Concerns of the Diocese of New York, I would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's LGBT Pride March such a success.

The marchers, who came from at least four diocese and made us one of the larger groups in the March. The benefactors, parishes, organization and individuals, who came through to fund the float. The folks at Integrity NYC Metro and Oasis Newark who were instrumental in getting the word out. Our wonderful DJ Brett. Our group marshals: Stephen, Erlinda, Lou and Mark. The Church of the Transfiguration, who made our out of town marchers feel welcome at their 11:00 a.m. Eucharist. The churches along the way who provided water for all the marchers, Marble Collegiate, First Presbyterian, especially the Episcopal Church of the Ascension (who added just a twist of lemon) and the Church of St. Luke in the Fields, who welcomed us at the end of the March both spiritually at Evensong and physically at the reception that followed.

Our visibility is very important. Our presence in the March is a wonderful way to reach out to the LGBT community, many of whom have had very negative experiences with "church" in the past, letting them know that is a church (among others) that welcomes them and is dedicated to "respecting the dignity of every human being".

Planning for next year's March will start in September. Anyone interested in helping can contact us at info@lgbt.dioceseny.org

Again, many thanks to all.

Paul J. Lane
Pride March Organizer
Committee on LGBT Concerns
The Episcopal Diocese of New York

Diocesan Organizer of New York
Integrity USA

Steering Committee Member
Integrity NYC Metro

To see some photos of the 2 block contingent, please see these two Albums:

Pride March 06-27-10 by Millard Cook
Heritage of Pride 2010 by Christian Paolino

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