Ten Things You Can Do Today to Strengthen Our Community
A list of ways that you can help the LGBT community now.
1. Find truth in the Torah. Ask your
rabbi to give a Dvar Torah (or write your own) about the tragic events of the
past month and our responsibility as Jews to speak out and work to end
homophobia and transphobia. Here's a beautiful
example from Rabbi David Mitchell, Radlett & Bushey Reform Synagogue, UK.
2. Speak out. The next time you hear
someone say "That's so gay," tell that person why those words are
hurtful and can have disastrous consequences.
4. Take action for equal rights. Contact your legislator to support ENDA, the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act that prevents people from being fired or discriminated
against at work for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
5. Keep youth safe and supported. If
you are a Jewish educator or administrator at an educational institution,
provide training and resources for your staff on how to create safe, inclusive
spaces for GLBT and questioning youth. Help start a Gay-Straight
Alliance.
6. Come out as an ally. October 11 is National Coming Out Day. If
you are a straight Jewish community leader, let people know that you are an
ally to GLBT people and keep the messages of support coming.
7. Come out. If you identify as gay,
lesbian, bisexual, trans, and/or queer, come out and keep coming out. This
simple act will help others.
8. Talk to your children. Middle and high school students witness
homophobic and transphobic bullying and teasing every day. Tell your children
you support them and that all kids deserve to be treated with respect and
kindness.
9. Tell your story. Whether you are
queer or a straight ally, upload a video to the It Gets
Better Project and share your story with young people who need to hear your
message. Visit the Make
it Better Project to see powerful stories about what young queers and
allies are doing right now to improve their schools and communities.
10. Seek support/give support. If you
or someone you know is struggling with issues around sexual orientation and/or
gender identity, know that you are not alone. Crisis support is available 24/7
through The Trevor
Project, 1.866-4.U.TREVOR.
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