WE ARE A GLOBAL NETWORK OF LGBTQ+ JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS
THIS IS
WHO WE ARE
In the 1970s, local LGBTQIA+ Jewish groups and synagogues were founded around the world. Soon, these organizations formed a network that came to be known as The World Congress of LGBTQ+ Jews
We organize conferences, translate materials, support leaders, and connect new and established LGBTQIA+ Jewish organizations from across the globe. We strive to be a worldwide voice for LGBTQIA+ Jews, to support, inspire, and strengthen local groups, to foster a sense of community among diverse individuals and organizations.
HIGHLIGHTS IN A
TIMELINE
A UNITED NATIONS SHANDA
In 1975, five Gay and Lesbian Jewish congregations from cities across the USA met in New York to respond to the United Nations shanda (shameful) resolution equating Zionism with racism. We answered with Jewish pride. Empowered by the feeling of solidarity, the groups decided to meet annually.
FIRST PRIDE PARADE IN ISRAEL
In 1979, the International Conference of Gay Jews met in Israel in conjunction with the first Gay rights march ever in the Jewish state.
A GLOBAL NETWORK FOR RAINBOW HEBREWS
In 1980, 16 groups attended the annual conference and formed the World Congress of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations. We have met periodically in many locations across the globe.
THE FIRST KNOWN GROUP
The Jewish Gay & Lesbian Group of London was the first of its kind known in history. It was founded in 1972 when a small advert in Gay News attracted the astonishing total of 190 people to a public meeting called to set up the new organisation.
THE FIRST LGBTQ+ SYNAGOGUE
In the early 1970s, the LGBTQ Jewish community lacked a home synagogue in Los Angeles (USA). Unable to become members of the Metropolitan Community Church, LGBTQ Jews sought advice from Reverend Troy Perry of MCC, who encouraged them to form their own Temple. Following his guidance, Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC), the world’s first LGBTQ synagogue, officially opened on June 9, 1972. Today, this vibrant community, has in its care a Torah scroll that survived the Holocaust.
GET INVOLVED!
Our Newsletter records astonishing landmarks during the last decades. The growing inclusion of LGBTQ+ Jews in the lives of the Reform and Conservative movements. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Israel. The resistance over the AIDS epidemic. And as we remember all this history, we invite you to join us in building a world where LGBTQ+ Jews enjoy free and fullfilling lives, challenging LGBTQphobia and antisemitism wherever it comes from.
GET TO KNOW
OUR TEAM
Marco Fiammelli (he/him/his)
President, Italy
🇦🇷 Gustavo Michanie (he/him/his)
Vice-President, Argentina
🇦🇷 Steven Joachim (he/him/his)
Treasurer, Argentina
🇦🇷 Leandro Kaus (he/him/his)
Secretary, Argentina
🇫🇷 Alain Beit (he/him/his)
Officer at Large – Eastern Hemisphere, Italy
🇪🇸 Yossi Martin (he/him/his)
Officer at Large – Eastern Hemisphere, Spain
Shep Wahnon (he/him/his)
Officer at Large – Western Hemisphere, USA
Franco Martinez (they/them)
Officer at Large – Western Hemisphere, USA