Divine Image, Divine Pride

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Pride Sunday

LGBTQIA+ Families Day

Kate Common, PhD (she/they)

Assistant Professor of Public and Practical Theology, Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Advisory Board Member, LOVEboldly

Queer Christian

Decades ago, I could not imagine the life I live now. I share my days with a caring wife, two step-kids, and three active dogs who keep me moving. I teach theology at a seminary. I love and am loved. Growing up in rural Ohio and coming out during the late 1990s, I encountered no positive Queer representation. My understanding of Queer identities came through the AIDS epidemic, or the evangelical talk shows my mom put on TV. Images of the everyday Queer life I now cherish appeared nowhere. Worse, I found no affirmation of myself as someone created in the image of God. Messages around me claimed that folks like me represented a deviation or mistake. Yet, the mistake never rested in my existence— it arose from a refusal to recognize Queer people as reflections of God’s likeness and image.

Excluding Queer identities from God’s image causes harm, not only to LGBTQIA+ individuals but also to

our understanding of God. Queer lives reveal dimensions of God’s nature. God transcends and transforms gender binaries, God is transgender and cisgender and all genders, God embodies multivalence and diversity in love and desire. Ignoring God within Queer people limits our view of the Divine.

Pride week provides an opportunity to celebrate Queer lives, but it also offers a chance to honor the richness of God’s nature. Beloved, you too reflect the Divine image. You reveal aspects of who God is. If others claimed otherwise, they misunderstood.

Reflection

What steps can you take today to recognize and celebrate the Divine image you represent? Depending on your background and support network, this challenge may feel overwhelming. If you struggle with this, hear this truth: even if you cannot see it or feel it, you hold worth and dignity. You, too, are made in the image of God.

Action

If attending a Pride event this week or month, I encourage you to notice not only the vibrant celebrations but also the Divine presence shining through those around you. What do you learn about God during this celebration?