On seeing the Rosary Rally poster, the first instinct was to laugh. And I did, heartily. But on a wiser second glance, the thought behind the rally put forth by Pro Malta Christiana took on a more complex form, worthy of proper examination.
Their aim is to atone for open homosexuality through a rosary rally – thus putting forth the idea that homosexuality is a sin and that those who live in such a way, and their supporters, are unaware of or flouting the sin.
The age-old, back-and-forth question of homosexuality being a sin is not worthy of examination. It is too banal, and I may only pen so many words.
What is more concerning and worth discussing is this half-tolerance put forth by this religious group, no doubt an action due to circumstance, as they are incapable of boycotting Pride altogether.
A half-tolerance saying, “We will let you go ahead with your sin, but let us atone for you.” A very bizarre alliance. Holding the Church dear and grasping all LGBT people in a tentative half-embrace. As Jesus Himself taught, “Whoever is not with me is against me...” (Matthew 12:30), as I’m sure they know, and the same applies to homosexuality. You cannot be lukewarm.
The least you may do, regarding our struggle, is to accept us as morally upstanding citizens or make vilified enemies of us.
They can be and are good, religious people, while accepting themselves for who they truly are and who others are
I assure you, however, that people, LGBT+ ones included, can be with Jesus and with homosexuals. They can be and are good, religious people, while accepting themselves for who they truly are and who others are. It is sheer blindness that prevents some from seeing this.
Thus we see the revolutionary nature of Pride. The fire within all of us: to stand up, to speak out, to bear witness. Naturally in doing so, one may make enemies. One may receive wall after wall of bullets. But if one speaks out in favour of what is truly right, then those enemies were worth making and those bullets will be nothing more but purifying, invigorating rain.
I began to see Pride as a revolution after a short stay in Naples, where I spotted an Italian Pride poster proclaiming the classic maxims, liberty, equality and brotherhood, in the arena of civil and LGBT+ rights.
How poignant they are for the cause.
Liberty: to be oneself no matter who you are. As long as you do no harm to yourself or others, then be, do and live without fear of needless prosecution.
Equality: let no man tell you or make you feel lesser than him no matter the clothes he wears or the titles he holds. Have no shame and do not hide your face. Look those who wish to trample you underfoot straight in the eye. That is your right.
Brotherhood: brotherhood is special among the elements of the trinity of the French Revolution nowadays. It maintains the fire of revolution.
It is a way of life to look upon all those who wish you no harm as your friends. It means being at peace with your neighbours and harvesting the bounty of friendship together.
This is why Pride is so loud, so over the top, such fun. It is friends among friends. There is no need to be formal; they are comfortable in each other’s company.
It is a time when the young say, “We have no cause to fight for. No world wars, no peace protests.” Look closer. Pride remembers our fallen friends and past victories, and it still has a long way to go.
Andrea Caruana is a University student.