Youth take pride in special event
By Rev Sandy Brodine
At the second meeting of the Yarra Yarra Youth Advisory Group (YASC), 16-year-old Living Faith Church member Miriam Clough came up with the idea of hosting a stall at the Greensborough Sunset Pride event in February this year.
What I loved about this is that the rest of us loved the idea and joined in. Miriam had a vision of making some of her beautiful handmade bookmarks, and sharing some LGBTIQ Christian books and other things on a stall at the Pride event so that there was a Christian presence at the festival
Living Faith Children and Youth Worker Kate Clough got alongside Miriam and they built an intergenerational team to join in the event. This included YASC youth members as well as LGBTIQ allies from other local churches, Banyule Network and Manningham Uniting Churches, and members of the VicTas Synod Younger Gen Team. This was a gathering envisioned by a teen who was then joined by people of all ages from local churches, presbytery and the Synod. A truly all-church gathering.
Alongside Miriam’s vision of sharing her beautifully hand made bookmarks, Christian books and LGBTIQ-friendly Christians to chat to, was added some simple activities for people of all ages: rock painting, beaded cross making and badge making. Adding some bean bags, throw cushions and picnic rugs made for a welcoming and friendly space for people to come together, chill out and chat.
“It was great that our stall was down the quieter end of the street, because it provided a chill out space for neurodiverse folk who wanted somewhere to just sit and do something fun,” Kate said.
Wonderful conversations were had with many passers by who were curious about local Christians and why we were part of the event. I spoke to one young mum who was excited to share how her child’s own transition had opened her eyes to a wonderful world of diversity and inclusion. It was great to be able to celebrate this with her.
The group were excited to be joined by queer Christian writer Steff Fenton who brought along their book, ‘Gender Expansive Faith’ as a part of the offering by people of faith at the event.
Hosting this event was also a great way for queer members of the Uniting Church to experience that they are loved, affirmed and supported by other members of the Church. We were all there together, enjoying time with one another and sharing laughter, fun and smiles with everyone at this very happy and inclusive event.
As YASC gathers for their first event of the year on March 15, I wonder what adventure our young people will take us on next?
Rev Sandy Brodine is Younger Generations Education and Strategy Coordinator