Today is Ash Wednesday, officially kicking off the Lenten season in the Christian church.
In Downtown Nashville, it's also "Glitter Ash Wednesday", as ministers, activists, and community members gathered in Legislative Plaza as a show of support for a community that they feel is often overlooked by traditional churches. Organizer Sara Green says "We will mark ourselves with glitter instead of ashes to signify the full inclusion of queer people who are often rejected by the church. Glitter ashes also signify our promise to repent, show up, bear witness, and work for a better world."
Glitter Ash Wednesday is being celebrated not just in Nashville, but in cities around America, Canada, and the U.K.