June is PRIDE month, dedicated to the affirmation, dignity and equality of LGBTQIA+ people everywhere. We as a society have made progress when it comes to the inclusion and acceptance of members of that community; however, we still have a way to go. It is up to the combined effort of individuals and the utilization of the Jewish Mental Health Middot and the practice of Derech Eretz to create spaces and communities that are truly caring, sensitive and open for Jewish LGBTQIA+ community members, and ensure their safety and mental wellness. Studies have shown a trend in devastating mental health issues among members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to combat those issues and promote mental wellness among all Jews, whatever their sexual orientation. We believe that kol Yisrael arevim zeh la zeh all Jews are responsible for one another, and that together, we can make the Jewish community the safe and joyous place it is meant to be, for every member of the Jewish people.
To learn how you can make your space more inclusive, check out our Blue Dove Foundation PRIDE month mental health resource.
Suggested Readings and Resources
Jewish Queer Youth (Organization)
There’s Space in the Jewish Community for Queer People. I Just Had to Find It. (Article on Hey Alma)
14 Jews Who Changed Queer History Forever (Article on Hey Alma)
