Next week, we celebrate the start of Pride Month. You’ll see rainbow flags, celebrations, and parades—and while that visibility matters, what happens the other 11 months matters just as much.
Morristown Jewish Center decided to become part of the Greater MetroWest Keshet Cohort as part of a larger initiative with the goal to become more accessible to our greater community. Members of the LGBTQIA+ communities have an important perspective that adds richness to our communal tapestry, and we wanted to increase our understanding of and become more welcoming to this community.
Since becoming involved with Keshet, we have incorporated LGBTQIA+ books and movies into our offerings. We have also revised our forms, our website, and our language on and off the Bima to be more inclusive and welcoming.
We are very proud of our accomplishments and the changes that we have incorporated. Equally important is the impact that we believe we have made on members of our community, both in terms of awareness and education on the needs of marginalized communities, especially in today’s political climate.
Keshet has provided us with knowledge and the ability to raise awareness of the issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community so that other people can break free from the stigma and biases that surround them. We also have a greater understanding of how important it is that we teach others that no one should be marginalized because of their sexuality or gender identity and that these differences are what make people unique.
What I personally learned most through this cohort is the importance of being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and how important it is to educate as many people as possible about the issues this community faces on a daily basis.
Participating in the Keshet Cohort taught us that this work is a long-term process that needs continuous attention and cultivation, and we are now in a much better position to continue our efforts.
By participating in as many Pride events as possible we can show support, respect and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community. If you’re wondering how to be an ally this month, come to the Pride Gathering in Livingston on Sunday, June 1 or seek out one of the many Pride festivals in Greater MetroWest!