Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church celebrated National Coming Out Day with its colorful “Chalk the Walk” event on Saturday, Oct. 11, to show visible support for local LGBTQ+ students.
Despite rainy weather, participants drew rainbows, hearts and affirming messages on the church’s sidewalks and on paper banners, which were later displayed in the sanctuary.
“Our goal with these events is to help students meet other LGBTQ+ students,” church media manager Michael Kidowski said. “We’re not here to proselytize them. We want to show love and support them.”
A Reconciling congregation within the United Methodist Church, Battle Ground Community United Methodist strives to offer a visible witness of Christian love for all people. The church partnered with local Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and Called to Love, a Southwest Washington nonprofit that bridges understanding between LGBTQ+ and Christian communities, to host the event.
National Coming Out Day, observed annually on Oct. 11, raises awareness about the importance of self-expression and promotes inclusion of people of all sexualities and genders.
