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Information

Bolton Street Synagogue
Synagogue or Prayer Group
Reform
410-235-5354
212 W. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21210

About

Bolton Street Synagogue's tagline is "Doors Wide Open" which we define as creating a community that opens its doors to all who are a part of our Jewish and broader community. Almost 1 in 10 of our member units has an individual who defines themselves as LGBTQ+. Throughout the year, our LGBTQ+ Chavurah gathers for holidays and social events. We proudly celebrate Pride Shabbat and host the Baltimore Annual LGBTQ+ Seder. Our queer members are well represented in senior leadership and serve on our board. Together we wish to create a community of belonging where everyone feels at home.

Listing Details

Organizational Policies

  • Benefits such as health insurance, parental leave, etc. are gender-neutral and LGBTQ+ inclusive
  • Has written anti-bullying policies that specifically address identity-based bullying
  • Has written nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy that mentions gender identity and expression
  • Has written nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy that mentions sexual orientation
  • All registration forms have been updated for LGBTQ+ belonging (i.e. adult 1 / 2 , parents or guardians, expansive gender options, pronouns, etc)
  • Strategic priority of LGBTQ+ engagement

Programming

  • Offers LGBTQ+ affinity spaces
  • Engages with LGBTQ+ civil rights in a way that is consistent with our engagement with civil rights for any core constituency
  • Curriculum and educational materials reflect LGBTQ+ people and identities
  • Has regular programming on LGBTQ+ themes
  • Observes LGBTQ+ days of significance (such as Pride, National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Visibility, etc)
  • Speakers/presenters/scholars in residence include LGBTQ+ people

Ritual

  • Offers and frequently uses gender-expansive ritual language
  • Celebrates LGBTQ+ life cycle events

Spaces

  • Has all-gender restroom/s and locker/changing rooms (if applicable) available

Staff & Leadership

  • Has working group or task force for LGBTQ+ belonging
  • LGBTQ+ people are represented in our senior leadership
  • LGBTQ+ people are represented on our board
  • Incoming staff and public-facing volunteers receive LGBTQ+ awareness training as part of orientation
  • Leadership and staff/volunteers have been trained on LGBTQ+ belonging within the past five years