COMMUNITY NEWS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial
and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical
priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.

s June begins, so too does Pride Month
will guide participants through the complex
to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

history and meaning of the pink triangle and
“By celebrating Pride Month, the Jewish
how knowledge of the Holocaust shaped
the fight for queer liberation and influenced
community makes it clear and joyful that
American gay rights activism.

LGBTQ Jews are beloved and an integral
part of our present and future,” said Program
Manager Galia Godel of Jewish Family and
Pride: The Continuing Struggle for
Queer Liberation Across America
Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia
and Israel
that heads the J.Proud Consortium, the
Philadelphia collective of Jewish organiza-
Tuesday, June 27 | Noon-1 p.m.

tions committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Virtual The Jewish Federation of Greater
Join the Jewish Federation's Jewish
Philadelphia is a proud member of the
Community Relations Council for a discus-
J.Proud Consortium, which will host several
sion on the history and current state of the
The Jewish
community is
showing up
for Pride
Month with
multiple events that focus on acceptance, inclusion
LGBTQ+ rights movement both locally in our
programs this June.

and community throughout the month.

community and across the sea in Israel. This
panel will feature academics, activists and
“It’s a core Jewish value to create an
lawmakers discussing where we have been and where
accepting and welcoming community for all,” said following to celebrate love and unity.

we must go to achieve full queer liberation.

Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday of
the Jewish Federation. “We are proud to celebrate Building a New Home in Our Minds
Love is in the Ground: Album Release and
the LGBTQ+ community through upcoming programs Sunday, June 4 | 5 p.m.

Queer Jewish Music Night
as well as through funding to Jewish value-based Virtual
Join the Jewish Federation’s Kehillot (neighborhood Thursday, June 29 | 7 p.m.

agencies and initiatives that ensure historically discon-
nected groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and their groups) and community partners for an interactive Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish
families, are connected to Jewish life and receive the workshop that will give participants a roadmap to History and Virtual
resources that they need.”
support gender-diverse and transgender youth. Led by
Celebrate the release of Rena Branson’s new
According to the Jewish Federation’s Population Kohenet Harriette E. Wimms, a clinical psychologist and album, “Love Is the Ground” and compositions by
Study, conducted in 2019, one in 10 Jewish households contract trainer for Keshet, this program is an opportu- West Philadelphia-based queer Jewish musical collab-
in the Greater Philadelphia area includes an individual nity to gather information, ask questions and support orators. Branson’s music seamlessly weaves together
who identifies as LGBTQ+.

each other in a safe and affirming environment.

Hebrew liturgy, English poetry and wordless nigunim
“This year, it’s more important than ever to be loud
(spiritual melodies). Attendees are welcome to move
and proud and to show that we are here and we’re never The Big, Queer B’nai Mitzvah Party
and sing along throughout the event.

going to hide again,” Godel continued. “By raising our Tuesday, June 6 | 7-9 p.m.

voices, we can fight back against hatred and intolerance, Elkins Park; address given upon registration
Special mention: Sparking Connections
and keep LGBTQ folks safe, loved and proud.”
All of the celebrating, none of the studying. jkidpride, Information Session
From marches to learning sessions to parties, check J. Proud and Moving Traditions invite LGBTQ+ teens Tuesday, July 25
out these opportunities to show your pride.

(12-18) for an evening of music, food, games and
If you are 45 or under, identify as Jewish and
friends! Parents/caregivers will have the opportunity to LGBTQ+ and are looking to connect with others on a
PRIDE “Love, Light and Liberation” March
socialize while the teens hang out, if desired. Dress in deeper level — while learning more about specialized
Sunday, June 4 | 10:30 a.m.

whatever feels fabulous.

topics through an Israel lens — the Jewish Federation
Departing from the Constitution Center on 5th and
of Greater Philadelphia has a program for you. Sparking
Arch streets
‘Pink Triangle Legacies: Coming Out in the
Connections Near and Far is a yearlong program,
Shadow of
the Holocaust’
Walk in celebration of authentic selves. Before the
beginning in September, that brings people together to
march, there will be a short time for speeches, music Thursday, June 15 | 6 p.m.

learn more about diversity and inclusion topics through
and joy. March alongside the J.Proud Consortium and Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History an Israel lens and which offers an immersive travel
constituents from its 44 member organizations and
Join in commemorating Pride Month with a compel- opportunity to Israel.

synagogues. Whether joining with friends, family or ling discussion on the intersection of LGBTQ+ history
*** solo, all are welcome to enjoy this Pride March. Don’t and the Holocaust. The event will be moderated by
Visit jewishphilly.org/pride to learn more and register
leave: Once the march is over, there will be a festival Jake Newsome, author of “Pink Triangle Legacies,” who for these events.

8 JUNE 1, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
Courtesy of J.Proud Consortium
A Celebrate Your Pride This June