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S E L S B E D E C 2. I W
The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative
FINAL REPORT Conducted by
In partnership with
Supported by
Background Info The purpose of Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQSIA+ Initiative is to understand the current needs of the Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ community in Vancouver, BC. Part of the initiative was a self-identification survey conducted by JQT Vancouver in partnership with JFS Vancouver, and with the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. In 2020, the conversations between JQT and JFS started in regards to diversity education for JFS staff and the changes JFS needs to make to be more welcoming and inclusive, which led to a larger conversation about assessing accessibility and engaging the community itself. This report contains the findings from the survey collected between February 2, 2022 to March 27, 2022. In this report, data points from the 2022 survey are also compared to data points from a community needs assessment conducted by JFS in 2004. Twice Blessed: The Jewish LGBT Project - Needs Assessment of the Jewish LGBTQ Community in the Greater Vancouver Area. For full transparency, this survey was conducted, but only resurfaced in 2021 during an interview with Jacqueline Walters, who conducted the 2004 survey, for JQT's BC Jewish Queer & Trans Oral History Project. Please note that all data points from 2004 and 2022 are included in this report in their original form, meaning there has been no editing, correction of spelling or grammar, capitalizing, etc. Names of people have been redacted. This report was prepared by JQT Vancouver in partnership with JFS Vancouver and with support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. Language and terminology on ethnicity, race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and many more identities are constantly evolving. We have prepared Glossary Resources for your reference: LGBTQ2SIA+ Language and Terminology Ethnicity & Race Types of Judaism Refer to Appendix for comments and additional info from the survey. JQT, JFS and JFed are organizations located in Vancouver, BC on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. 2
Message from Dr. Jacqueline Walters I am so grateful that the ball has been picked up by JQT Vancouver on this important work to be more inclusive of all folks in the Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and I am delighted to be a part of this process. These findings show many of the same themes as the previous study that was done by JFSA at the bequest of the then head of counseling, Hon. Selina Robinson. While this study was able to capture more voices this time around, unfortunately we (the Jewish Community) have not taken many steps forward to address concerns raised back in 2004. We certainly have not mirrored how Canadian policies have worked towards more inclusiveness, and as a result, are lagging behind. The respondents to a large extent identify as culturally Jewish and that is important as to how to move forward on LGBTQ2SIA+ issues. This community is tired of being studied. Now is the time for action! In fact, "A Call to Action" for all of the Jewish organizations to take steps forward to more inclusive programming, executive leadership and staff hires, Board appointments, funding, and engagement of all those who carry diverse Jewish cultural teachings, values, and opinions. JCC, JFS, and Jewish Federation need to step up to the plate now, to share the findings of this recent needs assessment throughout the Jewish community, to put pressure on the Jewish schools to bring forth more education in this area that is in line with Canadian values and policies, and to make all efforts to create and adopt inclusive practices, policies and spaces. Given that Canada now has a majority of seniors within its population speaks to the importance of promoting safe space for all Jewish seniors, especially Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ seniors who fall between the cracks in both Jewish and mainstream healthcare systems. The time has come for Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+ leaders and communities to work together and take action. Sincerely, Dr. Jacqueline Walters
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Joint Message from JQT & JFS Embarking on Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative has been an important step in acknowledging our gaps and our commitment to learn and work towards diversity and inclusion in the Jewish Community. It is important to identify the work that has and has not been done. Taking pause and asking ourselves where are we today? What prevents us from engaging deeper into these conversations about diversity and inclusion? And where do we want to go? The fact that the recommendations from the community in 2004 apply still today tells us something. Since then, the needs have expanded making it an optimal time to assess priorities. It is hard enough that Jewish people continue to face antisemitism; the Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ community are often doubly marginalized and discriminated against for being Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+. We must embrace everyone in our community, and that opportunity begins today. Conducting and publicizing the results of this survey is the beginning of our pursuit of and commitment to an inclusive community. We hope that these results will serve as a road map to inform the actions that Jewish leaders, communities and organizations will need to take to achieve our goal. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion must speak through our actions, and not only our words. Although not an easy task, it is an imperative one.
Carmel Tanaka Founder & Executive Director JQT Vancouver
Tanja Demajo Chief Executive Officer JFS Vancouver
Many people contributed to the survey questions, design, and analysis for this report. We thank and acknowledge the work of JQT Chair Ari Fremder, JQT Dream Team Member Rue Adler, DEI consultants Halimah Beaulieu and Tema Smith, the survey focus group comprised of the JQT Board and JQT Dream Team, as well as everyone who took the time to fill out this needs assessment. 4
Executive Summary The purpose of Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQSIA+ Initiative is to understand the current needs of the Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ community. Part of the initiative was a self-identification survey conducted by JQT Vancouver in partnership with JFS Vancouver, and with the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. With JFS' blessing, this survey and subsequent report is a labour of love, distributed, analysed, and summarized by dedicated JQTs seeking to affect positive change for those who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ within the Jewish community of Greater Vancouver and beyond. This survey was developed off of a 2004 community needs assessment conducted by JFS in 2004 and, while many questions remained the same, some others were added or language was altered for clearer results. The survey was distributed widely, over the span of two months in spring of 2022, and garnered 111 responses (doubling the data from 2004). The findings in this survey reflect the needs of Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals, all of whom have different identities and varying relationships with the Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+ community. A number of respondents said they felt disconnected or less inclined to participate in the Jewish community because of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation, based on community attitudes. Likewise, some respondents also identified feeling uncomfortable in LGBTQ2SIA+ spaces based on their Jewish identity. While Jewish organizations do not have the capacity to make Jewish people feel comfortable in LGBTQ2SIA+ spaces, they certainly have the capacity to assuage the discomfort felt in Jewish spaces. The majority of survey respondents suggested that clear “indicators of support” for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community would make them more inclined to participate in the Jewish community. Some indicators of support include visible signage or other similar visuals that inform individuals that a space is LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly (i.e. pride flags, stickers, posters, etc.), clearly labelled and easily accessible gender-neutral washrooms, explicit policies and procedures that indicate that an organization is inclusive and not tolerant of hate speech or violence, and correct use of language including the integration of gender-neutral terminology and the use of correct pronouns. Many respondents also voiced a need for LGBTQ2SIA+ centred programming within the Jewish community including, educational events, cultural/arts activities, Jewish holiday celebrations, age-specific programming, and other activities to assist in integrating LGBTQ2SIA+ Jews into the community. 5
Additional barriers to participating in Jewish community include intermarriage and divisiveness on Israel/Palestine, which also is a barrier for involvement in LGBTQ2SIA+ community. Overall, there is less involvement in LGBTQ2SIA+ community than Jewish community among the survey’s respondents. The results from this survey reveal a dire need for change on the part of Jewish community organizations. Based on the survey findings, below is a list of Calls to Action that would help empower Jewish community organizations to fulfill their responsibilities to all community members. Organizations should: Allocate campaign funding for operational costs of providing year-round Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ programming for all ages and community outreach in both Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+ communities. Develop inclusive care services for Jewish LGBTQ2SIA seniors. Ensure that senior care home intake adequately assess the needs of LGBTQ2SIA+ residents. Hire local Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ agencies/consultants with the expertise in Diversity Equity Inclusion training and partner with them on programming and projects. Adopt and breathe the concept of "Nothing about us without us". Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support. Facilitate an open discussion with rabbis, synagogues and boards to adopt an "open tent" policy regarding intermarriage. Design and provide funding and support for LGBTQ2SIA+ Jewish youth programming. Amplify and hire Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ artists, performers, activists, etc. Clearly state stance on LGBTQ2SIA+ rights and accessibility on organizational websites, newsletters, social media, etc. Adopt zero-tolerance on homophobic, transphobic, and antisemitic language, teachings, policies, and practices. Be open to those who have a spectrum of opinion on Israel/Palestine. Develop an anonymous reporting mechanism to provide feedback without negative repercussions to the Jewish LGBQ2SIA+ community. These actions are not drastic. We are not asking you to restructure your organization, simply to commit adequate time, energy, and finances to ensure that every member of the Jewish community, no matter how they may be perceived in other spaces, feels that the Jewish community supports and stands with them. Statements are simply not enough. Now is the time for action, and we hope that – together – we can keep each other and our Jewish community 6 accountable in taking tangible steps toward change.
SURVEY RESULTS "We have come a long way and we need to see this progress as a delicate flowering and cannot be taken for granted."
"Everyone needs to hear how people feel before we can rectify the situations."
"Thank you for continuing the amazing work that was begun in 2004 with the twice blessed survey and community building project!"
"Thank you for this very thoughtful survey and the work you are doing to include all of us in the 'big tent' of our diverse community!"
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Number Of Participants
2004
2022
111
56
Number Of People Who Participated In Both Surveys
3
100 8
Age Demographic under 20 20 - 29
2004
30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59
2022
60 - 69 70 +
The demographic age range expanded in 2022. The majority of respondents to this survey were in the 30-39 age bracket (or older). Only 3 respondents identified as being under 20 years of age. As such, this data must be understood as pertaining to an adult population within the Jewish community and while there are questions pertaining to youths in this survey, this data by no means covers the needs of this demographic.
Neighbourhoods 2004
2022 9
Years Lived in Canada less than 1 1 - 10 11 - 20
2004
21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 50
2022
over 50 since birth
The majority of respondents in the 2004 survey were immigrants, perhaps data from the initial survey better reflects the needs of this particular community. In 2022, majority of respondents were born in Canada or have been here for over a decade. Data may look different for newer immigrants, and cultural differences need to be considered when looking at how to provide support to a broader group.
2004
ASL Indonesian German Spanish Italian Polish Russian Ukranian Ladino Yiddish Serbian Vietnamese
Languages English
More languages
2022 French Hebrew German Spanish Polish Russian Ukranian Portuguese
10
Gender 2004 2022
CISGENDER
54 56
TRANS/NON CONFORMING
2 28
MEN
16 21 WOMEN
38 35
While many of these responses are similar, all responses were left as-is to reflect the broad range of terminology that individuals choose to use in respect to their gender identity. It must also be noted that some respondents included sexuality in their gender label. Of course this is their decision; however, the reader must be aware that, while related, gender and sexuality are distinct identities.
2004
Sexual Orientation GAY
16 24 BISEXUAL
LESBIAN/DYKE/FEMMES
27 20
QUEER
10 20
10
5
FLUID
21
OTHER
ASEXUAL/GREY SEXUAL PANSEXUAL
4
1
QUESTIONING
2
2022
OMNISEXUAL
1
DEMISEXUAL
3
Please refer to our Resources & Terminology. There were 9 respondents (majority who submitted responses on March 16, 2022), who identified as cisgender and heterosexual, and did not understand that this form survey was not intended for allies. 11
Are You Out? YES Q IN J
2022
J IN Q FAMILY
2004
WORK FRIENDS NO
"Out" is a term used in the queer community by individuals to identify those who are open about their sexuality to other individuals in their lives. Q in J = Out as Queer in Jewish Community J in Q = Out as Jewish in Queer Community In 2004, respondents were asked if they were out to Family / Work / Friends / Jewish Community ("No" was not an option). There is a shift from respondents primarily being out to friends and work in 2004 to respondents being out in all circles, including both Jewish and Queer communities, in 2022. It is important to note that even in 2022, some respondents are more out as Queer in Jewish community than being out as Jewish in Queer community.
Ethnicity
2004
Jewish only 9 Jewish & other 31 Don't identify as Jewish 11
2022
Ashkenazi 51 Another ethnicity 56
The majority of respondents ethnically identified themselves as Jewish (with most of these respondents identifying as Ashkenazi), in addition to being Canadian and of varying European identities (i.e. Russian, Polish, British, etc.) 12
Race
2022 As a Jew a do not "feel" Caucasian and yet I am seen and labelled Caucasian. Asian Caucasian or caucasian Caucasian to others as that is how I pass and my mixed ancestry is not prominant. Im not sure how to answer really. But I probably would be called white. European hebrew human I always thought of myself as white, but my partner who is South Asian perceives me as Brown. Who knew?! I don't know.
White 42 Caucasian 27 Another race 30
Jewish Jewish/Semitic Latinx, Jewish None, from everywhere really not a person of colour Not white - Jews aren't white. So, I don't know.. an invisible minority On most surveys, I check 'other', and write Jewish! But I guess I'm white :-( South Asian, Desi Southeast Asian. SWANA/Mixed White or white or WHITE White - Eastern European and British White (sounds funny: offwhite works better for me)
White & middle eastern White British Isles and Ukrainian Europeandescent White Jew White Jewish white passing(?) chilean jew White-skinned white. Though with violence against all Jews being undeniably racist and rooted in white supremacy, I often find myself saying "it's complicated" about race outside of Jewishonly spaces White/Caucasian
In 2004, respondents were asked about nationality and cultural identity, not race. The conversation around ethnicity and race has significantly changed since then. In 2022, 57% of respondents identified racially as White/Caucasian, while 43% of respondents identified racially as another race. It is nearly 50/50.
White/Caucasian
57%
Another Race
43%
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Disability & Neurodivergency 31.8% disabled Mental health Chronic pain Anxiety Autism ADHD Depression Limited mobility
24.1% neurodivergent
2022
ADHD Autism Anxiety PTSD
In 2004, many respondents did not consider disability and mental health needs to be part of general health needs. The conversation around mental health, disability and neurodivergency has significantly changed since then. In 2022, there is more awareness, prevalence and diagnoses of mental health issues. The intersection of Queer, Disabled and Neurodivergent identities needs to be addressed and the Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ community needs support.
Disabled
Neurodivergent
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Jewish-ness
The majority of respondents grew up as Conservative, Cultural, Reform, or Secular. In 2022, 1/2 of respondents identified themselves as Cultural Jews, with other prominent responses being Spiritual, Reform, and Secular. Please refer to our Resources & Terminology.
1/3 Practice Other Religions/Ways of Life "Responsible Hedonism" Athiesm buddhism / Buddhism / Buddhist philosophy Celebrate the traditions of all religions with friends and community Christmas / Christmas (culturally) / Non-religious aspects of Christmas / christmas with family friends Christmukah Earth based, UU Easter / Non-religious aspects of Easter Humanism
Indigenous medicine traditions on occasion Interfaith with Christian wife Islam Japanese Buddhism meditate / meditation Naturalist Pagan Qabalah Secular Christian cultural holidays Solstices / Solstice / Equinox Tarot readings Theosophy Yoga / Agni Yoga
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Relationships Single Significant Relationship Married
2004
Separated Divorced Widowed
2022
Common Law Engaged Polyamourous
Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2003, which opened the door for engagements, divorces and widowing in the following years to come. Common law and polyamory were prevalent responses in 2022.
Mixed Relationships
50% are in multi-faith/racial/ethnic/cultural relationships The responses from respondents indicate a need for more rabbis and synagogues who are open to performing and hosting interfaith marriages. This was an issue identified by multiple respondents. 17
Jewish Community Involvement
2004
Recreational 7 Religious 22 Political 8 Spiritual 21 Cultural 30 Other 4 Community services Educational Family events Work
2022
Not Listed: Activism Artistic Formerly: kid/family programs Hebrew conversation Social Housing Non-Profit Not involved Online Volunteering Work
The types of involvement in Jewish community is comparable between 2004 and 2022 with cultural, spiritual and religious as top areas. A number of respondents identified activism (i.e. volunteering, nonprofits) as central to their Jewish identity and Jewish community involvement. The one new type of involvement in Jewish community since 2004 is being involved "online" through virtual events and programming. Not only has technology advanced since 2004, but the 2022 survey was conducted during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
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LGBTQ2SIA+ Community Involvement
2022
Not listed: Identity Cultural Friends Volunteer Living Space Donations Online None Community Events Social Academic Athletic Work Health care Non-Profit Community Development/ Organizing Education
There is no data from 2004. In 2022, the top areas in LGBTQ2SIA+ community involvement were Pride celebrations, recreational, political and artistic. New types of involvement included Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Committee and "online".
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Level of Affiliation Jewish Community
3.71
LGBTQ2SIA+ Community
5.33
N/A
2004 2022
4.66
(on a scale of 1-10)
The level of affiliation to Jewish community increased. There is no data for level of affiliation to LGBTQ2SIA+ community in 2004. In 2022, the affiliation to LGBTQ2SIA+ community is less than to Jewish community.
Importance of Involvement in LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish activities
2004 2022
for self
6.48 6.07
(on a scale of 1-10)
for their families
5.17 3.84
Data from this question indicates that it is equally important for respondents to be more engaged in queer-friendly Jewish activities now compared to 2004. In contrast, it has become less important for respondents' families to be engaged in queer-friendly Jewish activities since 2004. 20
Accessed Jewish Community Services/Activities
85
Why Not?
23 Pandemic Zionism/Support for Israeli Government Not interested/needed Unaware Disconnection Fear of being perceived as Zionist by the Queer community
Lack of LGBTQ2SIA+ informed staff Politics Cultural/religious beliefs Feeling unwelcomed Fear of judgement Financial Difficulties Being a queer individual in Jewish spaces is already difficult and, as such, politics (in particular Israel/Palestine) should be avoided when running LGBTQ2SIA+ centred events.
If yes, experience was... Negative/ Harmful
Positive/ Neutral
Prefer not to say
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Seniors I am quite frightened
As a transgendered Jew long term care is a frightening prospect as transgendered seniors are often abused in long term care
As I am getting closer to "that" age, I would look for an LGBTQ senior before looking for a Jewish one. If we could combine the two, that will be ideal
I don't know where I'll go.
SCARY
I do not want to go to a senior's residence that is heavily generic-Christian, that makes a big deal of Christmas and Easter and Valentine's Day, that has Church services. I will not be comfortable.
Worry that my relationship will not be seen as real I fear that it will be primarily heterosexual and that I will have to go back into the closet.
Respondents indicated that they would be afraid of entering long term care. There was greater fear of being Queer in a Jewish care facility rather than vice versa. Respondents indicated that community agencies should be providing education to current staff and residents of care homes and directly consulting with LGBTQ2SIA+ seniors about their needs (i.e. entry surveys about what can be done for an individual). Respondents indicated that public campaigns would be best with outreach advertising in queer newspapers, social media campaigns, and public health resources
Youth There was a significant lack of youth responses. However, parents did mention community needs that they thought would be important, such as mentorship and social programs. There is also a desire for support groups among parents of queer Jewish youth, and queer Jewish parents who have adopted youth. 22
ANALYSIS "Sometimes the fact that I am not a Zionist creates another barrier to me being able to engage with the Jewish community. I would like to see more inclusive policies around this in future so we are not shutting Jews out. It's a complicated issue but every Jew is entitled to their own opinion and it makes them no less Jewish or deserving of community."
"I really want to emphasize the importance of support groups for Zionist queer Jews and that it's ve[r]y stressful to live between two worlds on this issue."
"[T]his survey was the least triggering survey I have ever completed... Thank you for designing the questions in a way that allowed people to selfidentify"
"[C]ongratulations for accomplishing this much! And keep going!" 23
Historical & Social Context In 2004, the Jewish community was still grappling with same-sex marriage across denominations. Here is a brief timeline on same-sex marriage history in BC's Jewish community: The first Conservative Jewish gay & lesbian "marriages" took place in 1992 in New York and a weekend later in Victoria, BC, respectively. Due to community division, there would be no more Conservative same-sex marriage anywhere until a 2006 ruling allowing them. Rabbis had oppositional views on same-sex law in 1997. The Renewal movement began to address this in 2000. The Reform movement made a resolution on same gender officiation in 2000, but the first Reform gay wedding in Vancouver was only in 2008. BC legalizes same-sex marriage in 2003, only a year before the survey. The rabbis continued to battle over this and an article was written in 2005. The Conservative movement in North America adopted same-sex marriage in 2006, but it divided the congregation in Vancouver. An email is sent by the President of the synagogue approving the union of same-sex couples in 2016 and their first Conservative gay marriage took place in 2020 just before the pandemic! In 2022, the Jewish community is no longer grappling with same-sex marriage between two Jews. The most contentious issues today are a growing trend away from religious Judaism towards cultural Jewish identity due to increase in intermarriage; a continued lack of accessibility, inclusion, acceptance of all marginalized Jews on the periphery of the Jewish community; and an increasing divisiveness on Israel and Palestine.
Resources & Terminology: Types of Judaism
Please refer to JQT's timeline in the BC Jewish Queer & Trans Oral History Project.
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Observations What has changed since 2004? Participation doubled, which may indicate more openness in the Jewish community to share LGBTQ2SIA+ experiences. Age range expanded to include youth and elders. Identity, language, terminology and survey design practices are more inclusive. Significant prevalence in those who identify as neurodivergent and have other mental health and disability needs. ⅓ are disabled. ¼ are neurodivergent. ~50/50 identify ethnically as Jewish (Ashkenazi) or another ethnicity. ~50/50 identify racially as White/Caucasian or another race. ½ are in multi-faith/racial/ethnic/cultural relationships. ⅓ engage in other religions, cultures, traditional practices, and/or ways of life. Homophobic and antisemitic social media trolling was vitriolic and incessant during promotion of survey.
What is the same in 2022? There is a lack of accessibility, visibility and acceptance of diversity in the Jewish community. Involvement in Jewish community is mediocre and even less in LGBTQ2SIA+ community. Community needs outweigh available capacity and resources.
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Recommendations in 2004 In 2004, the recommendations were: Education of community leaders, rabbis, Jewish services, Jewish schools, and synagogues. Jewish presence and outreach at LGBT activities in the Greater Vancouver community. Stronger network of LGBT Jewish community to invite onto Jewish committees and boards. LGBT presence at Jewish events such as Jewish Film Festival, Chutzpah, and Jewish Book Fair.
Wins since 2004 All of the 2004 recommendations still apply. And since then, there have been wins, many of which are featured on the BC Jewish Queer & Trans Oral History Project timeline.
Here are some of the more recent highlights: JQT is the first Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ non-profit in Vancouver, in BC and the only in operation in Canada - established in 2018 and incorporated in 2020. JQT is the only official Vancouver Pride Society Jewish Community Partner, tabling for the first time in 2021 (following in the footsteps of the Jewish community and organizations that have tabled and marched for decades). JQT partnered with Jewish Film Festival in 2021 on a queer Jewish film. JQT partnered with the JCCGV's Zack Gallery in 2021 on the first Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ exhibit. JQT conducted the first BC Jewish Queer & Trans Oral History Project to make the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC's collection more complete. JQT and the Klezbians were the first LGBTQ2SIA+ presence at the JCCGV's community-wide Hanukkah Marketplace in 2021. In Vancouver, there is one openly gay Jewish man, one openly lesbian woman, and one openly queer Jewish woman of colour in executive leadership positions in Jewish community organizations. The latter is a 26 volunteer.
Indicators of Support* Staff and board DEI training Visible signage/other visible indicators that let members of the community know that a space is queer inclusive Advertising and public campaigns/outreach Gender-neutral washrooms Explicit policies and procedures that indicate that an organization is inclusive and not tolerant of hate speech or violence Use of pronouns and non-gendered language *These indicators for support are relevant to an older demographic. These may not reflect the needs of LGBTQ2SIA+ Jewish youth today.
Programming & Activities
Queer-centred events and discussions as ongoing features of Jewish organizations (recommendations included queer support groups, ongoing discussion of queer issues, integrating queer people openly into community events) Age focused activities (i.e. events for middle-aged people, events for teens, etc.) Cultural activities like art, music, poetry, and book clubs Jewish Holiday events like Shabbat, Purim parties, and Seders General Pride celebrations in the Jewish community Jewish Learning and Education, be it religious (i.e. torah study) or cultural (i.e. language learning) Relaxed, more unstructured get togethers Volunteer opportunities, activism, and community outreach More sporty/outdoor events Given the responses to this question and to the question regarding programming needs (Q33), some programming should be age-specific for those who feel uncomfortable with certain activities/people. For example, offer youth specific programming that fosters a positive community. Programs such as speed-dating should not include all ages.
"I think that there are so few events right now that we need general queer events, and once that gets momentum then I know more specific groups within the spectrum will also value having individual events in their own self-identified group" 27
Calls to Action in 2022 Allocate campaign funding for operational costs of providing year-round Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ programming for all ages and community outreach in both Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+ communities. Develop inclusive care services for Jewish LGBTQ2SIA seniors. Ensure that senior care home intake adequately assess the needs of LGBTQ2SIA+ residents. Hire local Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ agencies/consultants with the expertise in Diversity Equity Inclusion training and partner with them on programming and projects. Adopt and breathe the concept of "Nothing about us without us". Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support. Facilitate an open discussion with rabbis, synagogues and boards to adopt an "open tent" policy regarding intermarriage. Design and provide funding and support for LGBTQ2SIA+ Jewish youth programming. Amplify and hire Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ artists, performers, activists, etc. Clearly state stance on LGBTQ2SIA+ rights and accessibility on organizational websites, newsletters, social media, etc. Adopt zero-tolerance on homophobic, transphobic, and antisemitic language, teachings, policies, and practices. Be open to those who have a spectrum of opinion on Israel/Palestine. Develop an anonymous reporting mechanism to provide feedback without negative repercussions to the Jewish LGBQ2SIA+ community.
These actions are not drastic. We are not asking you to restructure your organization, simply to commit adequate time, energy, and finances to ensure that every member of the Jewish community, no matter how they may be perceived in other spaces, feels that the Jewish community supports and stands with them. Statements are simply not enough. Now is the time for action, and we hope that – together – we can keep each other and our Jewish community accountable in taking tangible steps toward change. Refer to Appendix for comments and additional info from the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ survey.
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The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative @jqtvan | www.jqtvancouver.ca | info@jqtvancouver.ca