UCC of Tolland Welcomes All!

Written by Bailey Brenn Jr., Deacon UCC of Tolland

In America it all started in the early morning of Saturday June 28, 1969 in New York City at a local gay bar called the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village a neighborhood of Manhattan. Police raids of gay oriented establishments were a common event across America in the 50’s and 60’s where everyone in the establishment was rounded up and arrested because they were homosexuals. Once arrested their names would also be printed in the local newspapers which often resulted in the arrested losing their jobs, it destroyed careers, and they were often ostracized by family and friends. Society at that time had a pervasively intolerant view of homosexuality so these raids were acceptable and not questioned by the public.

This raid however would be different as it was the first time the patrons had had enough of these raids and spontaneously revolted against the police leading to violent confrontations. The riots also recurred for several more nights after June 28 and gained some national attention. The gay community in Greenwich Village began to organize to fight for their right to live as themselves without being harassed. Gay communities across America began to organize and network with each other becoming larger and larger. This eventually grew into the Gay Rights Movement in America fighting for acceptance, equality and to gain their rightful place in the American family. It is because of the Stonewall Inn Uprising that June is generally accepted as the traditional Gay Pride Month not only in the USA but around the world.

Religious discrimination towards homosexuals was and still is in some houses of worship perfectly acceptable. Through the tireless efforts of gay rights advocates to educate and fight against ignorance many eyes, hearts and souls have been opened. The wall usually begins to crack when I hear; OMG you’re gay!? But you seem so normal! Should I feel complimented or insulted, maybe complisulted? After 64 years on this planet I can say with certainty that God, Allah, Adonai or whatever name is appropriate for you that “The Great Spirit” cares little about who you love but a lot about HOW you love someone. People must understand that homosexuals do not wake up one day and say to themselves “I’m going to go against my nature and be a homosexual.” The conversation to oneself is usually; “I’m going to stop lying and pretending to be a heterosexual and start being me.” Being truthful is a positive and expected behavior in all the religions that I know of.

More houses of worship are changing their ways and opening their doors to all believers. The United Congregational Church of Tolland has completed this path and is now designated as an “Open and Affirming” church. The church is 300 years old, but our thinking is not. Feel free to come by and check us out or online at www.ucctolland.org, Facebook, or Twitter @ucctolland. No matter who you are or how you identify yourself you are welcome here.