The Episcopal Church in East Tennessee is excited to announce this year’s Pride Mass. We’re returning to St. James Episcopal Church, Knoxville on Broadway to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings. All are welcome to attend.

This year’s guest preacher is The Rev. Kim Jackson, Episcopal Priest and Georgia State Senator. In addition to serving in her political capacities, Rev. Jackson serves as the Vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Common Ground, an innovative and creative community without walls serving the unhoused in the heart of Atlanta. Rev. Jackson lives on a small hobby farm in Stone Mountain with her spouse, Trina, along with two Great Pyrenees dogs, goats, bees, ducks, chickens, and a cat. (From www.kimforgeorgia.com/meet-kim)

This year’s recipient of the offering collection and donations is Bryant’s Bridge, specifically their Gender Affirming Care fund. Bryant’s Bridge envisions a world where all youth have access to full acceptance, safety, honor and understanding of self, and freedom to develop into the individuals they are meant to be, regardless of societal structures that marginalize and present obstacles to that end. Bryant’s Bridge offers a range of support options for LGBTQIA+ youth in Knoxville. From housing to education and case management programs, Bryant’s Bridge is here to help Knoxville youth. Funds raised will be used to assist Bryant’s Bridge residents in accessing physical and mental health resources and social supports as they transition.