Rainbow flags displayed in windows and signs with messages such as “LGBTQ+ people are safe here” serve as meaningful and necessary affirmations. For many LGBTQ+ people, these visible symbols communicate safety, recognition, and belonging in spaces where they might otherwise feel invisible. At the same time, declarations of inclusion naturally raise an important question: How will that promise be put into practice? This is not a critique of rainbow flags or expressions of allyship—they remain important signals of welcome and support. Rather, it is a reminder that symbols of belonging have the greatest impact when they are reinforced by intentional actions that create genuinely inclusive environments.

This guide encourages your organization to communicate how it is taking concrete steps to live out its values. Below are some strategies and sample phrasing that you can turn to for inspiration as your community crafts its own messaging.

Why does this messaging matter?

Symbols of inclusion have a deeper impact when they are situated in the larger context of inclusion-related work. Ideally, your organization can demonstrate that these efforts are happening at all levels of community life: programming, policy, and culture. Both current and prospective community members will be heartened to learn of the specific steps that your organization is taking to cultivate a values-aligned environment where all people feel a sense of belonging.

When and where should this messaging be shared?

More and more organizations are publishing evergreen language about their commitments to building belonging and what efforts they are making to fulfill those commitments. This proactive messaging is broader than acute statements that organizations may release in reaction to a current event or crisis. This messaging typically lives permanently on an organization’s website somewhere easy to find, conveying that your organization is dedicated to building LGBTQ+ belonging at all times, not just during Pride Month or after a particularly horrific anti-LGBTQ+ attack.

What should it say?

• Name why this work matters in your specific setting. You may want to lean on your organization’s mission or values, or Keshet’s Seven Jewish Values for Inclusive Community, to help people connect to the topic.
• Describe what steps your organization has taken and is taking to build a more inclusive community. It’s okay to talk about a project that isn’t “finished” yet– a lot of this work never feels fully complete.
• Model that building belonging for people of all identities is an ongoing process. Provide opportunities for community members to ask questions and share their feedback with leaders about what is going well and where additional support is needed. Consider including resources for further learning.

What happens after we publish everything?

Prepare to continue the conversation, and remember that things evolve over time. When it comes to building belonging, there is no checklist to complete or finish line to cross. Keep revisiting this material over time, reassessing how your community’s needs may have changed and how your action strategies might need to shift as a result.

List your organization in Keshet’s Equality Directory, a publicly searchable database of organizations and clergy who have submitted their information to help LGBTQ+ Jews and their families find communities of belonging.

Looking for support?

We’re happy to help! Keshet’s Education & Training team is available to think through all of this with you. Contact us at [email protected] and we can find a way to work together.

Sample organizational statements to draw inspiration from:

Anshe Emet Synagogue (Chicago, IL)

Why we like this statement:

• It names specific steps that the organization is taking to live out their values of LGBTQ+ inclusivity and visibility.
• It acknowledges that this is ongoing, ever-changing work and offers an avenue for submitting feedback to leadership as it continues.

Temple Ahavat Shalom (Palm Harbor, FL)

Why we like this statement:

• It names maintaining LGBTQ+ safety as a Jewish value and obligation.
• It offers resources for further learning.

Temple Beth-El (San Antonio, TX)

Why we like this statement:

• It integrates LGBTQ+ belonging as one of many facets of true accessibility.
• It names the steps the congregation is taking to ensure that LGBTQ+ people can participate fully in ritual life.

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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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