“What are your thoughts, wishes and aspirations for the future of the Jewish community of Toronto?”
Justine Apple: LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Jews need to feel more accepted in the Jewish community. Many gay Jews have a strong Jewish identity and seek the freedom to practice their traditions in a welcoming environment. Over the last decade, much has been accomplished in this regard. In Toronto, we have a growing number of inclusive synagogues. There is also Kulanu Toronto, the main Jewish LGBT organization which provides programming for gay Jews of all ages and affiliations. But is this enough to give gay Jews a deeper sense of belonging in everyday Jewish life? What else can we do to encourage greater acceptance of the diversity in our community and allow gay Jews to feel more secure and welcome?
"We can encourage our community to become allies."
This starts with inclusive language. The language used to address LGBT Jews can significantly impact the way they view themselves. Inclusive language also helps to break the pattern of negative stereotypes. Rabbis and spiritual leaders can change some of the language they use to be more welcoming. Instead of “Men and women welcome”, they can say, “All genders welcome” or “Everyone welcome.”
Signage can make a difference too. Transgender Jews may not feel comfortable using male or female-designated washrooms where they may encounter harassment or discrimination. To ensure that trans Jews feel safe in the work place or at school, organizations can designate certain washrooms to be gender-neutral. These washrooms would be identified with both a male and female sign on the door.
What about making Jewish rituals more inclusive? More and more families are putting an orange on the seder plate at Pesach time. A modern-day custom that symbolizes the inclusion of gay men and lesbians as well as others who are marginalized within the Jewish community, the orange promotes equality for everyone.
With same-sex couples increasingly sending their children to Jewish Day Schools, the classroom is becoming more diverse. To sensitize the student body to the growing diversity within the classroom, teachers should be encouraged to add LGBT content to the curriculum. Progress has recently been made with the formation of gay-straight alliances (GSA’s) – student-led organizations that provide a safe, welcoming space for LGBT youth and their straight allies – but more work needs to be done.
The inclusion of LGBT Jews will not look the same everywhere. Change and growth is always a challenge, but it is the responsibility of all members of our Jewish community, including UJA Federation, Jewish Day Schools, and Jewish Community Centres to welcome, support, and advocate for our gay children, grandchildren, parents, aunts, uncles, and friends. After all, LGBT Jews comprise a vital, active part of the diverse mosaic of the Jewish community.
Justine Apple, Executive Director
Kulanu Toronto
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is currently undergoing a strategic planning process. By taking a few minutes of your time you will have the opportunity to express your opinion about where you think UJA’s funding priorities should lie and what the core issues are that we need to be focusing upon over the coming years. Most importantly you will be participating in a community wide effort to work together to take responsibility for shaping our collective future. Visit the survey page.
Justine Apple, Executive Director
Kulanu Toronto
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