Keshet Announces Honorees for Landres Courage for Dignity Award

Two steadfast advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights – each of whom traveled different paths to become vocal and effective activists for dignity and inclusion – have been named the recipients of Keshet’s Landres Courage for Dignity Award.

Celebrating the Supreme Court Ruling on Gay Marriage

Two weeks ago, on the streets of San Francisco, Susan Jacobs celebrated with millions of people across the nation, the just-announced U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing marriage equality across the country.

The Purim Superhero

This winner of a 2011 children’s book contest sponsored by Keshet, an advocacy group for GLBT Jews, tells the story of Nate, who wants to dress up as an alien for Purim when all  his male friends are going as superheroes.

Op-Ed: L’Chaim to marriage equality, but our work isn’t finished

Four years ago, I stood under a chuppah with the woman I was about to marry overlooking a valley in Massachusetts. I have an emotional memory of sweetness and joy from my wedding day, but I can’t recall many specific moments.

Sea of change: LGBTQ inclusion finds smooth sailing in Jewish Pittsburgh

When a group of Beth El Congregation’s leaders met last week to discuss how they could better include those with disabilities at the synagogue, Rabbi Alex Greenbaum was happy to see the conversation veer in a broader direction.

S.F. Pride parade once again boasts large Jewish contingent

If you see a tie-dyed chuppah bobbing its way up Market Street on June 28, chances are you’ve spotted a group of teens from URJ Camp Newman marching in the San Francisco Pride Parade.

Keshet taking nominations for award

Keshet, a national agency that promotes LGBT inclusion in the Jewish community and beyond, is accepting nominations for its second annual Landres Courage for Dignity Award.

Stop Punishing the Family Man

Jay Ramsay got a terrifying phone call at the office. Thirty-seven weeks into his wife’s pregnancy, the baby had stopped moving. The doctors were arranging for an emergency delivery. “I was in panic mode, in tears,” he says. That night brought, fortunately, a healthy baby. Jay took off the rest of the week. Back at work on Monday, he was called into a private meeting.

Campfires, Marshmallows and Acceptance: How Summer Camp Brought a Transgender Revolution

Reform Judaism's resolution on transgender rights commits the movement to 'full equality, inclusion and acceptance of people of all gender identities and gender expressions.'

‘Heather Has Two Mommies’ Gets a New Look For Mother’s Day

Lslea Newman’s iconic picture book “Heather Has Two Mommies” had a simple beginning. A woman approached Newman on the street in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she lived at the time, and said her family needed a book to which her daughter could relate. Meaning that she wanted to read a book to her daughter that featured a family with two moms.

Accepting Nominations: Landres Courage for Dignity Award

Keshet, the leading national organization working for the full equality and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Jews in Jewish life, is now accepting nominations for the 2nd annual Landres Courage for Dignity Award, expressing the commitment of Dr.Peter z”l and Renata Landres to the equal dignity of all people.

Keshet Honors Norman Spack & Cast of Transparent

Keshet honored a couple of Boston folks for their efforts on behalf of the transgender community.

Shaping Intentionally Inviting Communities: LGBTQ Inclusion in Conservative Synagogues

Over ten years later, much has changed in the Conservative Movement in the area of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) inclusion, and positive steps continue to be taken every day.

Why Jewish communities welcome 7-year-old transgender kids

As society grows more accepting of trans community, doctors seek to save teens’ lives by helping them transition at increasingly early ages.

Hebrew College graduate hired by California temple

Last month, Tom Chai Sosnik, a 13-year-old living in California, came out as transgender at his Jewish school, Tehiyah Day School. In the video of his coming out, he said, “I am no longer Mia. I never really was. And now I finally stand before you in my true and authentic gender identity, as Tom.”

FOCUS ON TRANSGENDER INCLUSION IN JEWISH COMMUNITY AWARDS

Two Boston-based individuals—a doctor and a filmmaker, both leaders in the movement towards transgender inclusion—are being honored at Keshet‘s annual awards dinner on April 30.

‘Safe Spaces’ For Orthodox LGBTQ Students Spreads On Campus

Program that began at YU gets new grant and intercampus launch.

British, Jewish And Gay? Here’s Your Yenta.

Transgender rabbi lauds teen’s coming out as embodying Passover spirit

Pasadena's Becky Silverstein, an out trans rabbi, says Tom Chai Sosnik, 13, took the same kind of risk Israelites took when leaving Egypt.

An Open Letter from a Transgender Rabbi to Trans Teens Everywhere

Last week the story of Tom Chai Sosnik, a teenager who came out as transgender at Tehiyah Day School, his Jewish day school, made headlines. Inspired by Tom’s courage, and the need to support transgender and gender-expansive teenagers everywhere, Rabbi Becky Silverstein penned the open letter below to Tom and teenagers like him, which Jewish LGBT rights advocacy group Keshet proudly shared on Transgender Day of Visibility.