Every June, Albany UU takes to the streets for the Capital Pride Parade. What began as a tradition of being one of the first churches to march in the parade has grown into one of the congregation’s most visible and joyful expressions of welcome.
Over the years, Albany UU’s participation has grown along with the parade itself. For the past two years, a decorated truck has led our contingent along the parade route, making it easy for parade-goers to spot us. Behind it comes a lively group of Albany UU members and friends of many ages, genders, orientations, and races, united by a shared commitment to creating a community where everyone is welcome.
And we bring plenty of enthusiasm with us.
Members fill the parade route with bubbles, candy, and plenty of energy as they celebrate with the crowds. The bubbles may be playful, but the larger message is serious: Albany UU wants people to know that they are welcome here exactly as they are.
That message reflects Love. Showing up for Pride is one way we make our commitment to LGBTQ+ people visible and tangible. Rather than simply saying that everyone belongs, we join our neighbors in celebrating identities, relationships, and communities that deserve to be seen and valued.
Albany UU has been a partner of the Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices, the organizations that present Capital Pride, for many years. Our participation in the parade also reflects our designation as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association and our continuing commitment to welcome people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The parade also gives us a chance to practice Pluralism. Albany UU members do not all share the same stories or identities, and that diversity is part of what makes our congregation strong. On the parade route, people with many different experiences come together around a shared belief that everyone deserves to live openly, safely, and fully.
And then there is the sheer joy of it.
There is something wonderfully fitting about a congregation carrying a serious message of inclusion into the streets while simultaneously blowing bubbles and tossing candy to strangers. The celebration reminds us that building a welcoming community is not only about confronting injustice. It is also about making room for joy, connection, and celebration.
For Albany UU, the Capital Pride Parade has become a tradition because it brings all of these things together: Justice, Love, community, and a whole lot of fun.
Each year, when we gather behind that decorated truck and head down the parade route, we are doing more than marching. We are showing up for our neighbors, celebrating who we are, and making our welcome visible.
And yes, we’re bringing the bubbles.
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