How to Be an Ally

Matthew Vire • June 4, 2024

Why "Pride"?

I once had a close friend ask me, "Why is there a 'Pride' month? Why does the gay community talk so much about pride?" He was an ally to be sure, but he did not understand how pride came to be associated with being gay. I think it's a good question, and one I expect many people have.

Last week, I came across a meme someone had posted on social media criticizing Pride month. The gist of it was that people in the LGBTQ community have not accomplished anything simply by being LGBTQ, so they have no reason to be celebratory and prideful. The tone was clear; this was not the statement of an ally, but of someone who wishes the LGBTQ community would just be quiet and stop making themselves so visible.

In fact, with courage and tenacity, LGBTQ people have accomplished a great deal in the past few decades. Attitudes have changed dramatically, the majority of Americans support marriage quality (and that percentage keeps increasing), and people are embracing their gender and sexual identities more readily than ever. That IS something to celebrate. Even so, Pride in our community is not really about accomplishments. So, what is it about? What can you, as an ally, tell people if this question arises?

Pride is a direct response to the message of shame that has been put upon queer people for generations. We say we have pride because the message that we should be ashamed of who we are remains prevalent. We reject that message, and we embrace pride because it is the opposite of shame. We are not proud of our sexual identities and/or non-conforming gender identities because we think we should be rewarded for them. We are proud because we know we are worthy of love, acceptance, and equality.

Pride month is about celebrating diversity and affirming our right to be seen, accepted, and respected, even if we are not necessarily understood.

This Sunday at The Garden, we will welcome some guests from the LGBTQ community who will help us understand what allyship is, and how we can be allies for each other.

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Important Announcements

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • September 24, 2025

Dear Friends, Please read these two important announcements: First: We’re excited to share that The Garden has now officially moved into our new home at 7171 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. This is a joyful new chapter for our community, and we’re so grateful for the ways you’ve helped us grow into it. If you give to The Garden through your bank, IRA, or BillPay service, please take a moment to update our new address with your financial institution so your gifts continue to reach us smoothly. Second: We hope you will be with us for our Annual All‑Church Meeting on Sunday, October 5, immediately following the 9 a.m. service at the church. As a United Methodist congregation, this is one of those “official business” gatherings we hold each year. It’s short and simple—we’ll share financial updates, answer questions, and take care of the necessary business of being a church family. Even in our untraditional way of doing things, this meeting is a reminder that we’re in this together—tending The Garden with love, transparency, and care. With gratitude and joy, Carolyn and The Garden Leadership Team P.S. Please reply to this email if you have any questions we can answer!

Write for the Farm Bill

September 24, 2025

Your Voice Matters

Bridging and Bonding

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • September 24, 2025

Twenty‑five years ago, sociologist Robert Putnam released his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, in which he shed light on a troubling cultural shift from a society knit together by shared experiences to one increasingly dominated by individualism. In the decades since, isolating walls have grown taller, separating neighbors, friends, and often families. This Sunday at The Garden, we invite you to step into an informative exploration of how our faith may help us dismantle those walls and return to the heart of community. Together, we can engage with the incredible power of unity and how it nurtures love, encourages us, and draws us closer to Divine Spirit and to each other. As you may know, we chose the name "Together to Gather" as a nod to the strength and beauty of gathering with intention, with purpose. People joining together maintain their individuality while simultaneously creating something new and stronger than the sum of its parts: community. Let's explore what it means to belong deeply within a chosen family like The Garden. We’ll celebrate the joy of living in harmony, not as isolated individuals, but as a vibrant, interwoven community of faith and our shared desire to bring more love to the world. Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and renewed. We'll hear a couple of scripture passages and stories, reflect, and consider why gathering matters. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your connections, embrace the beauty of fellowship, and step boldly into the life God calls us to live—together.