Local & National LGBTQ+ Resources
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Pride 2024 Resources
Queers Against Antisemitism
Queers Against Antisemitism is a movement of queer activists who pledge to stand against antisemitism as it spreads across the globe. In the month of June, celebrate pride and help take a stand against antisemitism together.
Right To Be
Right To Be is an organization that works to bring action against harassment in the world. Through trainings and safe spaces for those experiencing harassment, Right To Be works to combat hatred and prepare leaders for the movement.
QBurgh's Guide to Pittsburgh Pride
Looking for upcoming Pittsburgh Pride events throughout the month of June? QBurgh, a proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated news source, has a list of community events and relevant news articles. Learn more at their website.
Recommended Guidelines for Pride Event Organizers
Are you planning to attend/host a pride event this month? Here are some useful steps to follow to ensure that everyone can celebrate pride safely:
- Support displays of Jewish pride: Jews have been excluded from Pride spaces signs that display Jewish pride. We are asking our marchers not to bring national flags given the volatile climate, but we do support them marching with signs showing pride in Jewish identity. See examples here.
- If safety personnel will be present: Please brief them that they should respond to anti-Jewish harassment or violence according to agreed-upon protocols for any such behavior.
- Train Pride marshals: Share relevant guidelines with Pride marshals and provide de-escalation training so they are equipped to reduce tensions.
- Vet performers: In this tense political climate, it is important to both vet performers and to set clear expectations for performances at your event. Some helpful guidelines and expectations include:
- Assume diversity: We ask that all performers keep in mind that our community is vast and diverse in identities, lived experiences, and worldviews. Refrain from making statements that assume sameness.
- Focus on affirming community members: We ask that all statements and messages focus on uplifting, rather than highlighting divisions or denigrating any group.
- Know your slogans: In addition to lacking nuance, relying on short, simple slogans that are not universally supported throughout the LGBTQ+ community introduces a real risk of hurt and misunderstanding. It is common for slogans to be understood very differently in different communities. By speaking with values and staying away from politically loaded slogans, deep pain and divisions can be more easily avoided.
- When in doubt, ask: Rather than assuming ill will or responding from a place of defensiveness, if something feels off to you or you are simply unsure, please ask in the spirit of curiosity. Conversely, if you are not sure how a particular phrase or approach will be received, reach out and learn more from your partners.
- Do not allow gatekeeping of LGBTQ+ Jews: Do not use litmus tests to determine which Jews are welcome at Pride such as only permitting Jews with certain beliefs. All Jews should be welcome at Pride events.
Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Resources
Religious Resources
- Bet Tikvah—An alternative synagogue for LGBTQ+ people and Allies.
- Pride Tribe—A group within the Temple Sinai congregation that ensures inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Keshet—Use this online resource to search for Rabbis, synagogues, LGBTQ+ friendly organizations, day schools, and other various Jewish and LGBTQ+ friendly environments. Use this search bar to find thousands of various Jewish and LGBTQ+ resources (articles, rituals, divrei torah/sermons, policies and more).
- Kesher Pittsburgh—Kesher Pittsburgh is a connection point for kindred spirits who yearn for deep relationships, spiritual growth and collective liberation within a decidedly Jewish framework.
Combating Antisemitism
- A Wider Bridge—A Wider Bridge mobilizes the LGBTQ+ community to fight antisemitism and support Israel and its LGBTQ+ community.
Jewish LGBTQ+ Couples Opportunities
- Honeymoon Israel—An opportunity for a young, newlywed Jewish couple to travel to Israel for their honeymoon.
Jewish LGBTQ+ Aging and Human Services
- Jewish Association on Aging—An organization that offers home healthcare and residential services for the elderly and their families.
Pittsburgh Community LGBTQ+ Resources
- Allies Pittsburgh—Provides integrated medical care, supportive human services, and community-based education for individuals living with, or at risk of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections.
- Central Outreach—A wellness center that offers PrEP and free STD testing in the Pittsburgh area.
- Dreams of Hope—An arts-focused organization for queer and allied youth.
- Persad Center—A human service organization whose mission is to improve the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities.
- PFlag—An organization that focuses on uniting families and allies with members of the LGBTQ+ community to advance equality.
- Pittsburgh Equality Center—Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ Community Center.
- Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund—A nonprofit whose mission is to end discrimination and achieve equality for transgender people.
Student Resources and LGBTQ+ Groups
- Hillel JUC—Center of Jewish campus life for the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Supports LGBTQ+ causes and is a safe space for the community.
- JCC Pittsburgh—Teen space in the Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh.
- Carlow University
- Carnegie Mellon University—A club within the university that focuses on LGBTQ+ causes.
- Duquesne University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Also see diversity.pitt.edu.
National LGBTQ+ Resources
General LGBTQ+ Resources
- Human Rights Campaign—A National interest group that works to ensure equality for LGBTQ+ community members.
- National LGBT Task Force—Advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people.
- DrugWatch—Knowing LGBTQ+ health risks can ensure you stay on top of your health.
- Trans Lifeline—A trans-led national hotline for people who are transgender.
- The Trevor Project—A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25.
- Youth Talkline—National LGBTQ+ Hotline.
- National Resource on LGBT Aging—Technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults.
- American Society on Aging—Association of diverse individuals who are committed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of those who seek to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families, is also dedicated to training their members on cultural awareness, diversity, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Adoption Resources and Information
Marriage Resources and Information
- Keshet Marriage Resources—A way to find a Rabbi and/or a synagogue to be married in as an LGBTQ+ couple. A compilation of resources and articles about Jewish marriage.
Love is Kosher swag available.
Events of Interest
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