LGBTQ Inclusion
In 2013, USCJ partnered with Keshet, a national organization that works toward full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life, to publish a study about the state of LGBTQ inclusion in Conservative synagogues. The results suggested an acceptance among most Conservative synagogues toward the LGBTQ community, but indicated that more can be done to foster inclusion. Findings showed:
- 80% of Conservative synagogues had membership policies allowing same-sex couples to have a family/household membership
- 60% reported they have members who openly identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer
- 14% of synagogues had trained staff on LGBTQ inclusion
- 30% had unisex/non-gendered bathrooms
In 2015, we initiated a partnership with Keshet to establish a USCJ cohort of Shivyon: Keshet’s Equality Project, and have continued to launch regular cohorts of this yearlong program.
The partnership between the Adas Israel Community Mikvah, Keshet and USCJ has helped ensure that the local LGBTQ community is welcome to participate in the performance of a mitzvah that historically shunned them, and that our mikvah furthers its goal of being radically inclusive. As we celebrate societal progress during Pride Month this June, we remember and how much work there is left to be done, and are grateful for the opportunity to play a small role in the long march towards full inclusion.
- Printable signs and stickers
- Keshet Spectrum of Belonging
- Keshet Resources on building an inclusive synagogue:
- For additional resources on LGBTQ inclusion, we encourage you to reach out to EJ Tench (they/them) Keshet. They can be reached at [email protected].
Resources
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