Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Jaynie Levinson — Connecting Jewish Young Adults

Why do we have gay pride celebrations all over the country? One could argue that in many ways LGBT people have now been welcomed into most communities, and with marriage equality (most likely) on the horizon, the LGBT community will have won its major (but not only) battle.

This past week (June 6-14) in Tel Aviv, Israel I learned why we need Pride.

As Jews, Israel is often a life-changing, feel-everything experience because it’s the only time we as Jews feel like we’re in a place where we are the majority and are “normal.” We can truly be ourselves with people we relate and came from where we did. When I’ve been on my previous peer trips to Israel, I’ve definitely felt that way. However, one part of my identity, the gay side, didn’t connect with that feeling. I knew Israel was accepting of LGBT populations, but still felt like a minority and on the outside as everyone tried to meet their Jewish husband or wife.

Experiencing gay pride in Israel, for the first time, I felt like I was completely in the majority, accepted, and normal. It was Pride that allowed me to find true self-love and acceptance. And that is what Gay Pride festivals are about.

The week was too much fun. From inspiring panels, to parties, to a parade where EVERYONE marches, to more parties, simply celebrating ourselves and life…it was truly awesome.

One opportunity we had was to sit in the Knesset (parliament) for a hearing on Transgender rights, the first hearing of its kind. 1/3 of the Knesset members came through. To hear the bravery and stories of these Trans people, especially the kids, was so moving that Knesset members would praise them and cry.

But what someone said that resonated with me, is that this fight for trans rights is not just about protecting those who are transgender. It’s about breaking down all gender stereotypes, to allow all people to be who they are. It’s about a guy feeling like he can cry. Or a girl being able to play sports. It’s about breaking away from label, and letting people truly be and celebrate their true selves.

That is what Pride is about.

So how does this apply to Cincinnati and Jewish Cincinnati? First off, our delegation from Cincinnati is committed to making Cincinnati Pride bigger, better, and more of a city-wide event. There’s a lot of work to do, and our team is working on strategies to build upon what we have here. I believe it’s the Pride week that sets the tone and spirit to make a city a great place for LGBT people to live, and we all believe ours is currently failing at accomplishing this.

Second, there’s a Jewish angle. I’m not a Rabbi, but here’s what I got:

I believe Judaism has been around all these years because it’s helped people find their true selves. Right now, many young people aren’t seeing how Judaism can do that, so they are losing interest in the faith and distancing themselves from all things “Jewish.” But Judaism has a track record …thousands of years of providing some sort of meaning and ingredient to be yourself. So something in the faith must be close?

It’s our job as Jewish professionals to figure out how to connect Judaism and Israel to you and young adults who are searching for meaning, and at least currently, don’t think Judaism has the capability or is interesting enough to provide it. I am working on ideas, but I would love to continue to get more feedback from you about how we can do a better job of this.

Try this: take a moment, after reading this post, and give yourself some time to think about if you’re living your true self. If you’re happy with who you are. And if the answer is no, what can help you get there? Is it possible, that Judaism or Israel can help? In what ways could it help? Are you open to that possibility? Interested in that possibility?

This internal dialogue is what Pride is about. So during this Pride month around the world, take the time to reflect and celebrate in your own way. And I challenge and ask you dig deep into your identity, and see if/how/why we might need our faith, people, and Israel. Chag Pride Sameach!