Pride Month isn't about celebration. It's about survival.
Lauren Lanzaretta breaks down the hard truth about why LGBTQ people need Pride Month in 2026. And why the criticism, the bills, the "Straight Pride Month" debate, and the political weaponization of trans people prove we need it now more than ever.
THE FACTS:
- 10+ countries execute people for being gay
- 60+ countries criminalize same-sex relationships
- 27 U.S. states can still legally fire you for being LGBTQ (despite federal protections, there are loopholes)
- 36% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide last year
- 800+ anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in 2025 alone
THE REALITY:
LGBTQ+ people are kicked out of their homes by families. They're rejected by churches. They're targeted by politicians. They're assaulted in the streets. And yet, somehow, they're told to apologize for existing.
This is why we need Pride. Not as a party. As a lifeline.
Lauren discusses the systemic oppression, the cultural warfare, the spiritual battle, and what Jesus actually calls us to do: love radically. Not judge. Not exclude. Love.
If you're LGBTQ+, you deserve to know you're not alone. If you're an ally, you need to understand what real solidarity looks like. If you're a person of faith, this will challenge everything you thought you knew about loving your neighbor.
WATCH THIS IF:
You're struggling with your identity
You've been rejected by your church or family
You want to understand why Pride Month matters
You're an ally seeking to do better
You believe in love over hate
YOU ARE WORTHY. YOU ARE LOVED. YOU MATTER.
YOU CAN BE BOTH PODCAST:
A faith-rooted, justice-centered conversation space where LGBTQ+ people know they can exist authentically—at faith and at full pride.
COMMUNITY APP:
Join the You Can Be Both community app for real friendships, weekly Zoom calls, guest speakers, meditations, wellness resources, and book club discussions (currently reading Forging a Sacred Weapon by Kathy Baldock).
JOIN HERE: http://youcanbeboth.com/
CONNECT WITH LAUREN LANZARETTA:
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