“Radical Hospitality Creates Safe Space” is among the core values of Tribe 12, a dynamic Jewish Federation-supported group connecting Jews in their 20s and 30s with meaningful Jewish experiences.
True to its code, their LGBTQIA+ programming offers radical hospitality for any person in their 20s/30s who wants to explore the intersectionality of their Jewish and queer communities (whether you’re Jewish, have a partner who is Jewish or you’re interested in being a part of the Jewish community).
Since 2005, Tribe 12 has hosted the region’s most vibrant and visible young Jewish LGBTQIA+ events and recently they have focused their work on meeting the unique needs of all LGBTQIA+ people in the Jewish community. Recent events have included The Shabbos Queen Shabbat dinner which combined spiritual exploration with LGBTQIA+ performance art, a Purim drag performance with a community service component to support at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth, a night of queer focused Jewish learning for Shavuot, and a monthly Shabbat (Gay)me Night.
Through J.Proud – a consortium of Jewish nonprofits, synagogues, and cultural institutions who work together to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for the diverse needs of the Jewish LGBTQ community – they represent the queer Jewish community in Philadelphia at events like the LGBTQ Community Seder, Outfest, Philly Pride Festival, and the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference.
If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to Davinica, our LGBTQIA+ Coordinator at davinica@tribe12.org or visit tribe12.org/lgbtq to RSVP for our next event!
Israel Gay Youth: Welcoming All
Earlier this month, more than 250,000 people (including Neil Patrick Harris) filled the Tel Aviv streets for its famous Pride Parade — a reminder of the city’s status as a welcoming home for LGBTQ people, and of the cultural and legal strides LGBTQ Israelis have made toward greater acceptance and equality. However, for many LGBTQ Israelis, daunting challenges still exist.
That’s where Israel Gay Youth comes in: an Israeli nonprofit that works within formal and informal education systems to embrace, teach and support LGBTQ Israelis between the ages of 13 and 23.
“We want Israeli youth to feel welcome and loved no matter who they are,” said Liana Meirom, international secretary of IGY.
To do so, the organization teaches courses on gender and sexuality in more than 40 classrooms and hosts more than 45 social groups to establish safe environments where teens and young adults can freely express their sexual orientation and gender identity. IGY’s leadership teams also help prepare the next generation of leaders with the skills they’ll need to continue developing Israel as a nation of equality.
IGY is the only organization serving all LGBTQ Israelis — regardless of religion, culture or geography — and hosts programs across the entire region. They also operate four youth centers in Tel Aviv, Afula, Rishon LeZion and Petah Tiqwa, helping young LGBTQ individuals socialize and find support in challenging moments.
Visit awiderbridge.org/israel-gay-youth for more information on Israel Gay Youth.
