I was honored to be invited to speak at the Richmond Pride Walk today.  I enjoyed delivering my speech, walking with people together to show our support to LGBTQ+ friends, and being part of the community. Several people approached me to express their gratitude for the speech, and I felt thankful and motivated.  I want to share my speech for those, especially our LGBTQ+ individuals and their families and friends, who missed the walk that day:

“Hi friends, I am Bill Mok.  I am an Anglican priest and the creator of 360 Community. Our community, 360, is built on the cornerstone of inclusivity and diversity. We are committed to these values and believe everyone should be welcomed and embraced regardless of who they are, whom they choose to love, or where they are in their life journey. My vision for 360 Community is to be a place where people engage in meaningful conversations, listen to each other, and treat others with dignity, respect, and compassion.

I am deeply grateful for the chance to be part of the Richmond Pride Walk this year.  I want to reaffirm to my LGBTQ+ friends that there are Christians who stand with them. I want to assure my LGBTQ+ friends that they are cherished and embraced by God just as they are. I also wish everyone, including my LGBTQ+ friends, to know that 360 is your spiritual sanctuary, a place of comfort and acceptance where you can find solace and a sense of belonging. It’s a place where you can be baptized, partake in holy communion, get married, listen to the word of God, pray, learn to be a follower, serve the community, and engage in meaningful learning, reflection, and conversation. Your presence and participation are vital to our community.

One of our members, whose child is an LGBTQ+ person, would like to encourage parents and family members of LGBTQ+ individuals to be more open-minded. It’s crucial that we challenge the societal and cultural misconceptions that breed criticism and non-acceptance, instilling fear in our LGBTQ+ loved ones. By doing so, we can empower them to live their truth and feel secure in their identity.  

In the end, I want LGBTQ+ friends and their families to feel proud of their gender identity and whom they have chosen to love.”

I hope my speech brings comfort, healing, invitation, encouragement, and blessing to many individuals.