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A Building a Community of Pride:
Tribe 12’s New Staff Expand
LGBTQIA+ Programming
fter volunteering with Tribe 12 for many years and
tiatives, including the year-round LGBTQIA+ programming.

seeing firsthand the power of connection within a
Not working in isolation, Tribe 12 is also a member of
community, Jess Meyers decided to further dedicate their
the J.PROUD Consortium. A Jewish Family and Children’s
professional life to forwarding the mission of the organi-
Service initiative, J.PROUD is the Philadelphia collective of
zation. Jewish organizations committed to LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

“It’s important to create spaces that are inclusive and
Currently, J.PROUD has more than 40 members, including
welcoming for young people in the Jewish community
the Jewish Federation.

who have similar experiences,” said Meyers, Tribe 12’s
The versatility and wide reach of Tribe 12’s various micro-
LGBTQIA+ program director and social justice organizer.

communities are what the organization’s new Executive
Made up of several niche microcommunities, Tribe 12
Director Rabbi Megan GoldMarche gravitated toward while
speaks to the individual needs and interests of Philadelphians From left: Tribe 12’s new Executive Director Rabbi searching for the next step in her career.

in their 20s and 30s. One of the most active of these micro- Megan GoldMarche and LGBTQIA+ Program
Before her move to Philadelphia, GoldMarche served six
Director and Social Justice Organizer Jess
communities is the LGBTQIA+ program.

years as the senior base rabbi for Jews in their 20s and 30s
Meyers are passionate about creating safe and
After stepping into their new role in October, Meyers accepting spaces for Jews in their 20s and 30s. at Metro Chicago Hillel. She and her wife, Paige, created a
expanded the LGBTQIA+ programming to feature events,
Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia community for young Jews out of their home, and one of her
like Ga(y)me Nights and Queeraoke. Among the creative
favorite memories was opening their home to young adults
and fun monthly events, Meyers has continued to build a welcoming and safe space for weekly Shabbat dinners.

for Philadelphia’s queer young adults to explore the intersection of their Jewish and
It’s this same feeling of warmth, openness and acceptance that Rabbi GoldMarche
queer identities.

wants to replicate in Tribe 12.

Tribe 12 is one of several local programs that the Jewish Federation of Greater
“DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) work requires an internal and external lens
Philadelphia funds to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Among these locally supported and we plan to build on each simultaneously,” GoldMarche said. “We need our com-
organizations, include Moving Traditions and Jewish Learning Venture’s JkidPRIDE. munity to reflect the diversity of the Jewish people.”
“At the core of the Jewish Federation is the commitment to inclusion and diversity
GoldMarche and Meyers are determined to have Tribe 12 continue and increase its
within the community,” said Kelly Romirowsky, Jewish Federation’s chief strategy offerings of Jewish wisdom and resources to the 20s and 30s community, while also
and impact officer. “By proudly supporting organizations, like Tribe 12, that provide providing safe spaces for connection.

safe and welcoming spaces for all, we continue to move our mission forward.”
“I believe people are searching for a community, especially after the last few years
during COVID,” GoldMarche reflected. “We want to be ready to fill the need.”
The funding Tribe 12 receives from the Jewish Federation supports its various ini-
Philadelphia Civil Rights Mission
Walk together in American history with the
Philadelphia Civil Rights Mission to
Atlanta, Georgia and Montgomery and Selma, Alabama.

Space is limited! Learn more and register:
jewishphilly.org/civilrights Sponsored by:
Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council
AJC and ADL
8 JUNE 30, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM