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Keshet
Working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender Jews in Jewish life
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Support Families
The Keshet Parent & Family Connection is a national mentoring and leadership program for Jewish parents and family members of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Jews.*
What we provide:
Parent mentors provide confidential peer support by phone, email, video chat, or in person for parents and family members dealing with any stage of their family member’s coming out process, and for young adults who are struggling with how to tell their parents and other family members about their identities.
WHEN MY DAUGHTER CAME OUT
“When my daughter came out, I was surprised by how cut off I felt. She was going into this world, and all these experiences, that I knew nothing about. All parents of LGBT kids just want to hear that their children can live safe, normal lives, and it was through meeting others through Keshet that I realized this was possible, that it was possible to be part of a welcoming Jewish community. Keshet helped me connect. And now I know that we, the parents and families of LGBT kids, have the ability to be tremendous allies in helping to accomplish the advocacy work Keshet has been doing so incredibly.”
-Jayne Guberman, founding member of the Parent & Family Connection
Who are the mentors?
The mentors are Jewish parents and family members, spanning the gamut of Jewish identities and affiliations from secular through Orthodox. Mentors have children and family members of various ages, at different points in the coming out process. All of the mentors have worked through their own process of accepting, understanding, and celebrating their children and their LGBTQ identities. They have come together to affirm the space in Judaism and Jewish community for themselves and for their children and family members.
Read an article about the Connection and meet some of the mentors»
Where is this happening?
The Parent & Family Connection is a national program offering support to parents and family members of LGBTQ children across the country. They are matched with parent mentors who are currently being trained in the following five areas:
- Boston
- Chicago
- Denver/Boulder
- Philadelphia
- Washington DC/Baltimore
- Join us on May 28th for a film screening and discussion at the JCC of Greater Washington.
If your situation is urgent, please contact one of these crisis hotlines:
- The Trevor Project Helpline: 1.866.4.U.TREVOR.
- Fenway Community Health’s Peer Listening Line: 1.800.399.PEER.
- Safe Schools Coalition: list of toll-free hotlines
*We actively welcome the participation of interfaith couples and families.
