National Forum Created to Research LGBT Jewish Experience

February 24, 2011

A national forum across the UK has been created for LGBT Jews.

Keshet UK hopes to take the fight to combat homophobia to schools, synagogues and social care.

Keshet means ‘rainbow.’

“It is an exciting time to be Jewish and LGBT,” said co-founder Rabbi David Mitchell, who is gay.

“Alongside the recent sweeping social and legal changes in the UK there are now an increasing number of cultural and social groups catering to LGBT Jews.

“The British LGBT Jewish community is further empowered by activists from every decade since the 1950s.”

Keshet hopes to make strides in areas previously given little attention, including LGBT Jewish elderly people, the difficulty LGBT parents may face in Jewish schools, research the experiences of Orthodox LGBT Jews and to initiate campaigns to combat homophobia in schools and synagogues.

“Like our name, which means ‘rainbow’, we hope that by coming together we will be more visible and vibrant,” said co-ordinator Daniel Lichman.

“It is this invigorating spirit of community and collaboration that will enable us to work together towards achieving greater equality for every colour and shade of LGBT Jew in the UK.”