Dear Religious Protesters At Pride,

I went to the Twin Cities PRIDE Festival this past weekend and I was actually surprised to see you there. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was. It was like running into an ex-significant other -- just… really awkward. Really aggravating. A reminder that we never connected on an important level.

I thought that my day at the PRIDE festival was going to be one celebrating love that comes in every shade and hue. I thought that I would eat good food, see interesting people and hear them say interesting things and soak up some vitamin D while in the sun. And while all of those things happened and I had a great time, my brain still comes back to the moment we laid eyes on each other. I don’t want to think about you, but I do.

Why did you come? It can’t have been a shock to you that this event was going to happen this year, as it has happened for the past several years. Quoting Bible verses that supposedly back up your thoughts and feelings hasn’t worked thus far in changing people’s sexualities. What would make this year different? I’m mad that you showed up. I’m mad whenever you get near those in the LGBTQ+ community, but I’m especially mad that you decided to show up today. PRIDE is supposed to be a weekend where you can definitely feel comfortable with yourself around other people, especially if you are made to feel insecure about your sexuality. It’s meant to be a safe space for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Your being there presents this beacon of judgement that is just not needed today. There is so much judgement and so many harsh feelings in the world every single day. Why can’t they have a break? Why do they have to sit there and concentrate their energy on tuning you out if they don’t want to hear you? It’s a waste of everyone’s energy. It’s not necessary that the people at PRIDE hear what you have to say. We’ve heard it all before.

But I’m not just angry. I’m very confused. You claim to be preaching the word of God, which is love. When I went to church regularly, I heard messages of “Love thy neighbor” and took that message to heart. I will appreciate the person standing next to me for who they are, not for their potential to be who I want them to be. That’s not love or caring. To think that can care about someone and want to change them, that’s manipulation. It’s not right. It’s damaging. Protesters, if PRIDE could be personified and you two were in a relationship, I would advise PRIDE that the relationship is not healthy and that it’s time to go. I don’t think that you’re carrying out God’s will and message, whatever that may be, by spreading hate and making people feel inadequate over something that they can’t control.

I hope next year, you think twice about attending. PRIDE is supposed to be a happy and empowering time, not just another day in the life of someone in the LGBTQ+ community.

Sincerely,

Megan