Dear TEE community,

When I speak to non-Jews about the experience of being Jewish, I sometimes find it useful to draw a comparison between what it’s like to be Jewish and what it’s like to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. Many members of both groups must “come out,” i.e., assert their identity if they don’t want it to be assumed that they are part of the dominant Christian and/or heterosexual culture. Similarly, members of both groups are subject to popular representations based on stereotypes or misinformation. On a personal level, the most significant resemblance is that, as a minority, gatherings with a larger group of people like myself give me a unique sense of connection and empowerment.

For all minorities, creating visibility on their own terms is immensely important. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, Pride celebrations serve as an important means of doing so, offering a supportive environment for people to express their authentic selves. Pride events foster a sense of belonging and encourage individuals to be proud of their unique identities. Such events express the foundational Jewish value of affirming the worth and dignity of every individual.

Additionally, Pride celebrations, like their Jewish equivalents, foster unity and solidarity. They create spaces for people to forge connections, find support networks, and build lasting friendships. Such gatherings remind us of the power of community and the strength that arises from collective action and mutual support.

Pride events have also played an important role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The first Pride March was in 1970 and for the first few decades these marches were equally, if not more so, political rallies rather than parades. Pride celebrations have contributed to broader social change, raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, advocating for civil rights, and promoting empathy and understanding. Sadly, our current civic climate once again demands activism to safeguard the progress that has been achieved in the past decades.

Finally, Pride celebrations are an opportunity for allies to stand in solidarity with, and express their support for the LGBTQ+ community. They provide a space where allies can listen, learn, and actively participate in the fight for equity. As Jews, we understand the significance of lifting up marginalized voices, both within and outside our own community.

I hope many of you will join with our TEE community to celebrate and advocate during this year’s Rochester Pride Week.

Rabbi Drorah Setel