Showing Up, Side-by-Side: Why We’re Heading to Pride in the CLE
There’s something truly special about the energy in Cleveland when June rolls around. But for us at Brecksville United Methodist Church participating in Pride in the CLE isn’t just about the glitter, the music, or the vibrant parade—though those are definitely perks! It’s about putting our mission into motion and living out the values we talk about every Sunday morning.
If you’ve been on the fence about joining our marching contingent, here are a few reasons why your presence matters.
Living Our Values: Courageous Inclusion
We talk a lot about courageous inclusion. But what does that actually look like outside our church walls?
Inclusion isn’t always the easy path. It requires us to reach out, to stand up and to say, “We see you, we love you, and you belong—exactly as you are.” By showing up at Pride, we are making a visible, public statement that our faith doesn’t exclude – it expands. We’re showing Cleveland that there are houses of worship where the LGBTQ+ community is not just tolerated, but celebrated as a vital part of God’s creation.
Creating a Safe Space to Grow
Our mission statement is clear: we aim to create safe spaces to grow with God and one another. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, “church” hasn’t always felt like a safe space. In fact, for some, church has been a place of harm. When we wear our church t-shirts and march down the streets of downtown Cleveland, we are reclaiming that narrative and creating an opening for others to walk through. We are offering a different kind of sanctuary—one that travels!
By being a friendly face in the crowd, you are helping to build a bridge. You’re letting people know that if they are looking for a place to explore their spirituality, ask tough questions, and find community, they don’t have to check their identity at the door.
Why Your Presence Matters
You might think, “Does it really matter if I’m there?”
Yes, it does.
- Representation: For a teenager in the crowd seeing a grandma waving a rainbow flag or a family marching together, your presence might be the first time they realize that there are safe spaces where they can explore their faith.
- Connection: Pride is about growing with one another. It’s a chance to meet our neighbors, hear their stories, and step outside our own bubbles.
- Joy: Let’s be honest—it’s fun! There is a holy kind of joy in seeing thousands of people celebrating love.
Join Us!
We want our section of the parade to be a sea of smiling faces. Whether you can march the whole route or just want to hang out at our table for an hour, we need you. New this year, the United Methodist Churches of the Greater Cleveland area are joining together as one to walk together and share with everyone that there is a welcoming church near them!
The Details:
- When: Saturday, June 6, 2026.
- Where: Meet at the church parking lot to carpool around 9 am, or RSVP for our meet up location downtown.
- What to wear: Your Brecksville UMC t-shirt or anything bright and welcoming! Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!
- What to expect: The Pride March will walk though downtown Cleveland and last about an hour, concluding at The Festival at Malls B &C. It is a slow and easy walk filled with color, joy and onlookers cheering us on. The Festival is great fun with vendors, food trucks, performances, entertainment, games and activities.
Let’s show Cleveland what courageous inclusion looks like in action.
Will you join us this year? Reach out to Linda Crouch to sign up or ask questions, or simply click the button below.
