R2W 2009, Day 9-Pride Parade in San Francisco

Before we went to the Pride Parade in San Francisco we had two R2W alumni tell their social biographies of what it means to be queer. One who works with R2W and NRJ (Network on Religion and Justice for API LGBTs) talked about how her church neglected her because she was queer and what a struggle that was for her because she wasn’t accepted. Her faith and church are separate from each other because her definition of faith is having a relationship with God or a higher being and finding ways to practice spirituality such as painting murals or body movement through dance. Her family is very supportive of her and the work she does to fight for the LGBT community.

Another told her story of how she was interested in girls when she was young. Her mom became suspicious of her as she grew and began to question her about her sexual orientation, whether she liked girls or boys. Coming from a strong Presbyterian background she felt she had to front to her mom about being queer because she knew her mom would struggle with that. Her mom would recite scriptures from the bible, explaining that it is a sin to be with a person of the same sex. Michelle is still struggling about coming out but knows that she will get through this.

As we made our way to Pride, participants were anxious and excited to see the parade because it was the first time for many of them.

R2W 2009 Participant Procter, a Tongan from Reno, Nevada, witnessing the parade for the first time.

R2W 2009 Participant Mele standing in solidarity for LGBTQ rights.

"There is no judgement here today and everyone is able to express themselves freely,"-Nina.

R2W Participants having a good time dancing through the streets of San Francisco.