This episode explores the life of Reverend Troy Perry, the founding of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), and his pivotal role in the early LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly the creation of the first Pride parade.
Main Themes:
Rev. Troy Perry: A Pioneering Figure in LGBTQ+ Rights: Troy Perry has been a historic, visionary, and trailblazing figure, often referred to as a "founding father of the LGBTQ Rights Movement" and the "Moses of the LGBTQ Human Rights Movement." His personal journey of reconciling his faith with his sexual orientation became the driving force behind his activism.
The Founding and Growth of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC): Established in 1968, MCC was the first church to explicitly minister to the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Starting with just twelve individuals in Perry's living room, MCC grew into a global denomination with thousands of members and hundreds of churches worldwide, offering a welcoming spiritual home to those rejected by traditional religious institutions.
The Birth of the First Gay Pride Parade: Perry, along with Morris Kight and Rev. Bob Humphries, co-founded Christopher Street West in 1970, leading to the first permitted LGBTQ+ pride parade in Hollywood. This event, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, is recognized as the oldest gay pride parade in the world and served as a catalyst for similar events globally.
Activism and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Equality: Perry has been a lifelong activist, engaging in protests, fasts (like the 16-day fast against the Briggs Initiative), and political advocacy. He was the first openly gay person to serve on the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations and was invited to the White House by Presidents Carter, Clinton, and Obama to discuss LGBTQ+ rights and issues like hate crimes and AIDS. He also spearheaded early efforts for marriage equality, performing the first public same-sex wedding in the U.S. in 1969 and filing the first lawsuit seeking legal recognition for same-gender marriages in 1970.
Resilience and Overcoming Adversity: The sources highlight the numerous challenges faced by Perry and the MCC, including fire bombings of sanctuaries and the murders of clergy. Despite this adversity, Perry's leadership and unwavering faith propelled the movement forward, embodying a spirit of resilience and the declaration, "We're Not Afraid Anymore."
Intergenerational Perspectives on Pride and Activism: A later panel discussion included in the sources reveals diverse perspectives on the evolution of Pride, from its roots as a protest and act of defiance against societal oppression to its current form, sometimes characterized by corporate involvement and large-scale celebrations. The discussion also emphasizes the ongoing need for intergenerational dialogue and continued activism in the face of persistent inequalities and global challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Most Important Ideas and Facts:
The genesis of MCC: Perry's personal struggle and the arrest of a friend at a gay bar ("When Troy returned to Los Angeles after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, he was set on the historical course his life was to take...It was following a close friend's arrest that Troy realized that 'God cares,' precipitating the birth of MCC in Los Angeles...") were pivotal in his decision to found MCC. His own divine revelation ("‘don’t tell me what I can do. I love you, Troy, and I don't have any stepsons or stepdaughters. Reread my Word.’ And reread God's word I did.") provided the theological grounding for a welcoming church.
MCC as a revolutionary act: The founding of MCC in 1968, a year before Stonewall, is described as "a revolution within a revolution" and "historic: the first church to recognize the need to minister to the needs of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people."
The founding of the first Pride: Perry, Morris Kight, and Rev. Bob Humphries founded Christopher Street West on June 28, 1970, "to hold an annual Pride Parade. It is the oldest gay pride parade in the world." Their persistence in the face of opposition from the Los Angeles Police Commission ("They persisted against Los Angeles Police Commission, which attempted to deny the event, and eventually obtained a permit for the parade.") was crucial. Perry recounts the significant hurdles, including demands for exorbitant bonds, which were eventually overcome with the help of the ACLU.
Perry's early activism for marriage equality: Even in its early years, Perry and MCC were at the forefront of the fight for marriage equality ("In December 1968 he performed the first public same-sex wedding in the U.S., and in 1970 he filed the first-ever lawsuit seeking legal recognition for same-gender marriages.").
Recognition and impact: Perry's work has garnered national and international recognition, including invitations to the White House and honorary doctorates. The Smithsonian Institution now houses a collection of his personal items and MCC historical items, recognizing his significance as both a religious and human rights leader.
The ongoing global struggle: The "Voices of Solidarity" project highlights the continuing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide, particularly in countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized.
Quotes:
"Rev. Troy Perry created a revolution within a revolution a year before Stonewall when he began to save countless LGBTQ+ lives by building them a welcoming place for their spiritually homeless souls."
"MCC was the first church to recognize the need to minister to the needs of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons throughout the world."
"On June 28, 1970, Hollywood Boulevard swelled with one thousand gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender activists who announced their presence with signs, laughter, and chants. Today, we’re all familiar with Pride parades. In 1970, however, Los Angeles had never witnessed a gathering such as the Christopher Street West Parade."
Perry reflecting on the challenges of obtaining a parade permit: "if you're gonna let these PE I prefer having thieves and burglars March down Hollywood Bar Boulevard than to have this group..." and the eventual victory: "...these people don't have to put up any kind of bonds they're citizens of this city they pay taxes like everybody else I don't don't care if you have to call out the National Guard you're going to protect these people."
Perry's hope for his legacy: "“I believe we can change the world... So, for me, my legacy, I hope, will be inside and outside of my community... He was faithful and he was fearless."
This briefing underscores the profound and lasting impact of Rev. Troy Perry's vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to creating a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are both loved by God and treated with dignity and equality. His work laid the foundation for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and continues to inspire activism today.
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