Love is Love
Namu Amida Butsu- in the Buddhist community that I belong to this phrase is defined as “Come as you are”. We accept anyone at any point in their journey in life. We accept anyone in any clothing they wear. We accept anyone in any emotional state they’re in. We accept ANYONE.
Last week, the Buddhist Fellowship didn’t meet for their usual Sangha (community) gathering. Instead we were all encouraged to attend the Salt Lake City Pride Parade that occurred at the same time that the Sangha usually meets. I have attended the Pride Parade a number of times over the past 10 years. I decided to attend the parade again this year. It had been about 5 years since my last Pride Parade and I had a friend who wanted to go and had never been. All the more reason to enjoy the feathers, glitter, and rainbows.
We arrived at the parade in plenty of time to get a good viewing space. As per usual, the people around us were super friendly and offered us some rainbow temporary tattoos. As we waited for the parade the energy of happy and proud people filled the air.
During the parade I felt uplifted by the fun floats and dazzling performers. The music was bouncy and there was always someone walking by trying to raise the enthusiasm level of the audience. There were great slogans written on posters like, “Do you think homosexuals are revolting? You bet your sweet ass they are!”
In the spirit of safe sex, many condoms were passed out with drawings on the wrappers of happy men in assorted outfits and fascinating positions. My favorite condom wrapper advertised a Salt Lake City Mayoral candidate. Now that’s dedication to the cause!
Somewhere down the line of marchers came a group from the church that my friend used to belong to. While the church is traditionally known for its exclusion of the LGBT community this group of marchers was inclusive and wanted to show their support for the LGBT community. Their sign read, “Love is Love”. My friend was so touched by this outpouring from the church. The idea that some portion of the church community could change their belief system and include all people in the community made her heart melt. It was a beautiful moment to see her find a likeminded group in a community that she had always seen be exclusive in the past.
The parade continued on. More happy people proud of being authentic and showing their true selves marched by. More supporters came in cars, floats, and by foot twirling batons and playing band instruments. It was beautiful to see the community celebrating themselves and supporting everyone.
When the parade ended and we went back to our homes I was grateful. I was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with the LGBT community. I was grateful for all the inclusive people that showed up for the parade. I realized that day until everyone in the world can say “Namu Amida Butsu” there will still be a need for Pride Parades and I will still be attending them.