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1. A Question Someone Might Not Know Who or How to Ask: Why should I, as a Jewish person, care about LGBTQ+ rights?

• Jewish values emphasize justice (tzedek), human dignity (kavod), and loving our neighbor (v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha)
• The history of Jewish activism in civil rights, labor movements, and immigration justice aligns with fighting for LGBTQ+ equality
• Many LGBTQ+ people are part of the Jewish community — this is about advocating for our own

2. A Simple Question: How can I support LGBTQ+ rights if I don’t identify as LGBTQ+?/take action with my local Jewish community?

• Being an ally means listening, learning, and using your voice to amplify LGBTQ+ issues
• Show up for LGBTQ+ events, sign petitions, and support inclusive policies in your synagogue and workplace
• Challenge harmful language and assumptions in your community and family spaces
  • Have hard conversations — discomfort is part of solidarity
  • Push past fear — Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary
• Commit to the long-term —This isn’t just a crisis moment; it’s a movement
• Show up beyond your immediate circles – Build relationships outside your usual spaces

For advocating within your Jewish institution:

• Join Thrive: The Jewish Coalition to Defend Trans and LGBQ+ Youth
• How Your Jewish Community Can Be a Safe Haven for Trans People
• Bring Keshet’s Education & Training team to your Jewish spaces to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth, families, and staff are affirmed in all Jewish educational and community settings

For individuals:

• Jewish Pledge for Trans Dignity
• Attend Keshet advocacy events
• Learn more about Keshet Youth Programs for LGBTQ+ Jewish youth and allies aged 13-24

• Change the narrative that faith and LGBTQ+ rights are incompatible: advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals in local and state government
  • Contact your elected officials from home!

3. A Rebellious Question: What are the biggest threats to LGBTQ+ rights right now?

• Legislative attacks on trans rights
  • Bans on gender-affirming healthcare
  • Anti-trans sports bans
  • Book bans and curriculum censorship that erase LGBTQ+ history and identities
• The rise in hate crimes and misinformation targeting LGBTQ+ people

4. A Wise Question: How do I respond when people use Judaism to argue against LGBTQ+ inclusion?/What’s the best way to engage people unsure or hesitant about LGBTQ+ advocacy?

• Focus on shared values: dignity, fairness, and community
• Use personal stories — people are more likely to empathize with lived experiences
• Offer clear, simple actions they can take, like signing a petition or attending an event
• Jewish tradition is vast and diverse; many Jewish texts and scholars emphasize justice, dignity, and inclusion
• The concept of “pikuach nefesh” (saving a life) teaches us that protecting LGBTQ+ people from harm should be a priority
• Historically, interpretations of Jewish law have evolved—just as Judaism has embraced new understandings of ethics and justice
• Resource: Talking About Anti-Trans Legislation Through a Jewish Lens

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Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity.  Stay connected by joining our email list and following us on social media.

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