Pride Month Speaker Series

Pride Month Speaker Series: Presented by Riverside Faith Formation Ministry and Maranatha

Join Riverside’s Maranatha LGBTQ Ministry and Faith Formation Ministry for a Pride Month Speaker Series. On June 13^th Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart – Director for Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs for the city of Philadelphia, presents “Double Portions and Secret Cups: The Inheritance of Black Queer Faith”. On June 20^th, Rev. Alex McNeil, Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians, presents “Putting our faith into action for transgender thriving”.

“Double Portions and Secret Cups: The Inheritance of Black Queer Faith”

June 13: | 9:30-10:30am | Zoom
Speaker: Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

Actor, writer, and activist Ossie Davis once said, “I find, in being Black, a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness.” In this talk, we will celebrate the secret and sacred blessings found in the ancestral legacies of Black queer geniuses Octavia Butler, James Baldwin, and Pauli Murray.

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart – Director for Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs for the city of Philadelphia. In this role, she serves as a public-facing leader, liaison, and subject matter expert for the Mayor’s Office on local and national matters that impact diverse communities of faith. She also manages the Mayor’s Commission on Interfaith Affairs.

“Putting our faith into action for transgender thriving”

June 20| 9:30-10:30am | Zoom
Speaker: Rev. Alex McNeil

It is no secret that attacks against transgender and non-binary people are on the rise, from our city streets to the halls of our legislatures. Thankfully, our faith communities can make a world of difference through the love and grace we extend to our transgender and non-binary neighbors, and the intentional welcome we create in our places of worship.

In this workshop, we will look at the scope of anti-transgender legislation currently working its way through legislatures, hear proactive and positive ways for individuals and the church to be involved in advocating for transgender thriving, and you’ll walk away with some next steps to take in your community! This pride season and beyond let’s put our faith into action for transgender lives.

Alex Patchin McNeill has served as the Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians since 2013. During his tenure at More Light, he has equipped congregations to live into policy change for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people and has successfully enacted policies for marriage equality in the Presbyterian Church, USA.