Thanks to some initial organizational efforts by Michael Ramsey-Mulshof, the Madison rectors, and a team of lay people, a group began talking about ways of making Madison’s parishes more inclusive and supportive of LGBT people, and especially of LGBT teens. The group chose Gay Straight Episcopalians as its name, and decided to “go public” at the Madison Pride Parade today. At the end of the parade, while others were attending a rally just a block away, 30-40 of us, marchers and supporters gathered at Grace for a Eucharist. It was a wonderful experience. Here are pictures of GSE marchers:

I remember two years ago, coming out of church early Sunday afternoon and encountering the Pride Parade. It was my third Sunday at Grace and I was surprised that there was no visible Episcopalian presence among the marchers. Thanks to all those who organized and those who marched in witness to our inclusivity.