In light of the recent anti-LGBTQIA+ events that have taken place in our community – the stealing of the Pride Flag and the bomb threat prior to Drag Story Hour at the Montclair Public Library – we, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, wanted to send out this letter as a reminder of the strength that is found when we come together.
Our congregation had the honor of hosting a booth for Montclair Pride this past June, and the joy and the beauty and the love that we witnessed is something that we wanted to bring back around and share with you today.
Led by Out Front, our LGBTQIA+ advocacy group, we asked visitors to leave messages of love and support on our community tree, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between fellow trees and mycelium and the ways in which they are able to sustain one another.
Many of us were overwhelmed by the abundance of love that was shared through these messages, and we thought now would be a good time to bring these messages back to the greater community.
"Be the you that makes you joyful" "No matter who you are - you matter! And you are loved!" "There is always someone who loves you for the person you are!" "Love is peace" "I’m here for you" "Hope is everywhere" "You have a community who loves and accepts you. Know your worth, but also your worth and STRENGTH!" "Your existence in the universe, in this time, in this space is a unique blessing. Flourish in the knowledge you are a gift and loved!" "Everything about you is beautiful" "You are not alone!" "You will prevail"
Our 6’ x 9’ canvas became filled with messages like these, becoming a physical representation of this strength and abundance of love that is found when we come together. By sharing these messages, we hope to counter some acts of hate and remind our LGBTQIA+ siblings that you are not alone. May we all continue to find and create spaces like these for one another - spaces of expansion, and spaces of embrace.
Signed,
Madeline Wilson
on behalf of The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair
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