Editor’s Note: Among the measures directly impacting the LGBTQ community that President Donald Trump signed on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, were Executive Orders 22 and 23 respectively titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” and 2) “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.
By Idit Klein
NEWTON, Massachusetts — Yesterday, Jan. 20, was a tough day — kicking off a tough week, and likely, a very tough four years. And yet, yesterday we honored a legacy of justice and resilience that reminds us: we come from generations of powerful resistance.
Yes. We are gutted by the direction that the new President laid out for our country in his inauguration speech yesterday. But we’re not surprised. And we refuse to play into the Administration’s fear-mongering and chaos.
We are not powerless.
Yes, it’s painful and frightening to hear threats against our families and our freedoms. But we know there is tremendous daylight between executive orders and our rights actually being taken away. There are limits on extreme action built into our Constitution. Executive orders often face court challenges. Legislation seldom gets passed in its original form. Dangerous bills and policies stall, change, soften, and often, many get shelved. Because people like you, groups like Keshet, and our LGBTQ+ movement legal advocacy partners are organized and will take action.
We are not powerless.
Amidst the attacks, we are clear on what we believe and are fighting for:
–LGBTQ+ people are beautiful and essential.
–Everyone has the right to safe, affordable medical care.
–Everyone has the right to love who they love.
–Everyone has the right to be their full, authentic self — at home, at school, at work, in community.
We all benefit when everyone has equal rights and freedoms. We all lose when those rights and freedoms are denied.
Together with you, we will do what we have done for generations, as both Jews and LGBTQ+ people: care for and celebrate one another, build partnerships and coalitions, and stay focused on making possible a just and equitable Jewish community and world.
And know this: when our Jewish communities take action and stand up for LGBTQ+ rights, it makes a difference. Jewish organizations — synagogues, Hebrew schools, JCCs, and day schools — are private religious institutions. There are limits to the extent that the government can regulate our programs and policies. Many anti-LGBTQ+ laws that apply to public spaces do not apply to Jewish spaces. Your Jewish organization might be one of the few places where LGBTQ+ people — especially youth — can find affirmation.
We are not powerless.
Here’s what you and your community or organization can do to help build the world we all deserve:
Join Thrive: The Coalition to Defend Trans and LGBQ+ Youth. Encourage your Jewish organization to join our movement for LGBTQ+ equality.
Ensure LGBTQ+ belonging in your community through Keshet’s critical trainings and by reading and sharing these helpful resources.
Encourage the LGBTQ+ Jewish teens in your life to check out Keshet’s youth programs.
Join Keshet’s QJOC Kinship Circle or spread the word to LGBTQ+ Jews of Color in your communities to be a part of this affirming and joyful community.
Donate today to support all of Keshet’s critical work!
Chazak V’Amatz. Be strong and courageous.
Together, we will stay strong in this difficult and uncertain moment. We will continue to work together to build Jewish communities and a world that affirms the preciousness of every single life.
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Idit Klein is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Keshet.
Generally speaking people born as men should not be playing with or against women. People born as women should not be playing with or against men. It is dangerous. One of my daughters played Rugby union as a prop forward at High School and in a ruck got a serious neck injury in a game in a women-only competition. Doctors advised her to stop playing the game and she did stop. People born as men should not be playing against women because of the possibility of serious injury. People born as women should not be playing in teams with men or against men’s teams. Of course there are exceptions such as mixed doubles in Lawn Tennis.