I believe passionately that Judaism MUST evolve, and that societal evolution poses questions and challenges that Judaism CAN and MUST answer. When societal norms for LGBTQ+ inclusion shifted to bring in once-marginalized religious seekers... AND when science caught up with the fact that gender and sexuality have genetic pre-disposition ("born this way," colloquially) - Judaism had new data that, sadly overdue and after having caused pain for people on the margins for too long, allowed us - and IMPELLED us - to say: "Jewish law does not, in general practice, legislate against any genetic pre-disposition; such legislation would undermine the very premise of humans being created in God's Image. Thus the science and data must bring us to a place of inclusion." This process took too long, in my mind - but I'm glad we're here, in a place where we can advocate, include, and celebrate all.

I first officiated at a wedding between to male-identifying celebrants in 2007, with preparations shortly after the Conservative Movement of Judaism affirmed inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, and before the templates for a wedding ceremony and documents were even composed. I was asked about this in my interview in 2009, and was glad to see enthusiastic nods around the table when I explained that I felt this inclusion was long overdue, that, in the Judaism I espoused, one's gender identity and sexuality could not be legislated against any more than any genetically pre-disposed or pre-determined trait like eye or hair color could be legislated against. I said to the Search Committee that, without knowing the current policy of the synagogue at which I was interviewing, I would continue to officiate, counsel, and otherwise be a rabbi for LGBTQ+ people, and should they hire me, I would advocate that the Ritual Committee and Board leadership endorse officiation of life-cycle moments from our bimah. I was gratified that this process was enthusiastically embraced by our synagogue leadership, and our inclusion efforts continue to this day. I composed an aufruf (pre-wedding) blessing for a couple, one of whose members is trans, in chevruta (study) with the couple themselves. And of course, I continue to learn and grow in my own efforts and understanding.