World Congress of LGBTQ+Jews

05/09/2024

On August 25th, Gaavah unveiled the matzeiva (headstone) of Rosely Roth.

No photo or post could truly capture the emotion of this historic act of reparation and justice. This shared feeling brought people together at the Vila Rosali (old) cemetery, where after 34 years, a dignified ritual was finally provided for someone who was a great fighter.

Rosely Roth was a pivotal figure in the formation of the le***an movement in Brazil during the 1980s. She was part of GALF (Feminist Le***an Action Group), where she edited the ChanacomChana bulletin and organized the Ferro's Bar Uprising. Rosely became widely known as the only member of the group who dared to publicly identify as a le***an at a time of intense prejudice. In 1985, she appeared on H**e Camargo's TV show, becoming the first openly le***an woman on Brazilian television.

Rosely passed away on August 28, 1990, in Rio de Janeiro, though she was originally from São Paulo. Since then, her memory has been gradually erased. This is why Gaavah has been working to restore her story. The discovery of the matzeiva last Sunday is part of this effort. The headstone symbolizes that Rosely's memory will endure.

The collective mandate , represented by .qp, has filed a bill to rename Martinho Prado Street to Rosely Roth Street, the location of Ferro’s Bar, a symbolic space for the political struggle of le***ans. Débora Dias was present at the unveiling of the matzeiva, and photos were taken with street signs bearing Rosely Roth’s name.

Gaavah

12/08/2024

🏳️🌈💔 On this somber Tisha B'Av, a day of reflection and remembrance, let's draw a poignant parallel between the ancient concept of "sinat chinam" (baseless hatred) and the homophobia that persists today. Just as past divisions led to the destruction of unity, contemporary prejudices threaten the harmony of our diverse world. As we recall historical tragedies, let's also consider the pain caused by discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. By recognizing that love knows no bounds, and by embracing our differences, we take a step towards healing the fractures of society. May this Tisha B'Av be a reminder that the fight against all forms of baseless hatred continues. 🌈🕊️

14/07/2024

🌈 Today, we celebrate the courage and diversity of non-binary individuals. Your existence challenges the gender binary and inspires a world that respects and embraces diverse identities. 🏳️⚧️🌟

03/07/2024

01/07/2024

28/06/2024

🌈 Remembering the Stonewall Riots is to honor the defiance of our LGBTQ+ predecessors. Our resistance, like theirs, continues to dismantle opression. 🏳️🌈🔥

28/06/2024

for those who are in Paris this weekend

27/06/2024

'After a challenging and complex year we won't be marching', says Keshet UK and West London synagogue.

Jewish LGBT campaign group Keshet UK has withdrawn from the London Pride march on Saturday, June 29th June over safety fears.

The charity, which champions the inclusion of LGBTQI people in all areas of Jewish life in the UK, has in recent years partnered at the annual event with West London Synagogue, (WLS) Gay Jews In London and Parents of Jewish G**s and Le***ans.

Pride in London, whose theme for this year is ‘We Are Everywhere’ issued a statement on Instagram on June 12th accusing Israel of a “devastating war and genocide in Gaza”, adding that it stands with “all the innocent civilians in both Israel and Palestine who have been subjected to terror and violence in this humanitarian crisis and all Muslims and Jews worldwide who are facing rising hate and discrimination here in London and around the world.

It added: “We are also deeply concerned about all those facing human rights violations all over the globe, including in other wars and conflicts , and remain committed to supporting communities worldwide while serving our LGBTQ+ community here in London.”

In a joint statement with WLS, KeshetUK said: “LGBT+ Jews need safe spaces for celebration, joy and to feel pride in who we are. With this especially in mind, we have long valued our Jewish presence at Pride in London. We understand the importance of visibility.

“Against the background of what has been a challenging, and at times a complex year for many Jews in the UK, including LGBT+ Jews, some of our friends and congregants have said that they do not feel as safe marching in the Pride in London event as they have felt in previous years. We have listened very carefully to those concerns expressed about the event. Our primary duty is to create a safe space where we can all feel joy, pride and community.”

Read more: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/jewish-lgbt-charity-withdraws-from-london-pride-over-safety-fears/

26/06/2024

15/06/2024

🏳️‍🌈 ILGA World

World Congress response to ILGA statement:

Dear friends,

We have read your statement regarding the global situation and the wars taking place around the world several times and with extreme attention.

We are disconcerted by the extreme focus on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
We did not read any words about the October 7 attacks, nor any consideration for the suffering of the Israeli victims of terrorism.

You made no mention of the ferocity and the cruelty with which terrorists acted on civilians. Thousands of families now mourn the deaths of children in their first years of life. We saw women r***d repeatedly, and we saw elderly victims of violence. Tens of thousands of Israelis were forced to leave their homes because they were no longer safe.

We too mourn the loss of life in Gaza. War is always a horrible thing and we all seek peace, but if we do so by taking sides in such a blatantly arbitrary and ideological way, the result will always be disappointing without being of help to the side you try to support.

LGBTQ+ Jewish associations are in serious trouble and difficulty due to the campaign of hatred towards Jews, and it is difficult if not impossible for us to participate in Pride parades safely. Your statement only increases this feeling and the danger that comes with it.

We want peace and coexistence between peoples, drawing from the vision transmitted to us by the Stonewall activists.

We express sadness and concern over a statement that calls for peace but which excludes us from even the simplest debate for the defense of everyone’s rights, and LGBTQ+ people in particular.

We feel pushed back into that closet that has held us prisoner for centuries.
Happy Pride month.

The World Congress of LGBTQ+ Jews
June 2024

11/06/2024

📜 Rejoicing in the revelation of Torah and embracing the diverse tapestry of LGBTQ+ Jewish experiences! Just as the Torah's teachings guide us, let our respect for one another guide our interactions. This Shavuot, let's celebrate the sacred bond of our community and the wisdom it brings. Chag Sameach! 🌈✡️

04/06/2024

Amidst the ancient stones and timeless stories of Yerushalaim, let us remember that a city named after peace embraces all its inhabitants with open hearts and open arms. 🕊️ In every cobblestone, in every prayer whispered, we find the strength to nurture understanding, compassion, and unity. Let's paint the streets with the colors of diversity and fill its alleys with the melodies of harmony. In a city that knows the value of history, let's also make history by erasing the lines of hatred and prejudice. Here, in this sacred place, there is no room for anything but baseless love. ❤️🌍

01/06/2024

🔯 INCLUDE 👏 JEWS 👏 IN 👏 YOUR 👏 ACTIVISM 🌈

25/05/2024

🌈✡️ On this celebratory Lag BaOmer, we find a poignant symbol of hope in the connection between fighting for marriage equality and the permission to wed during this liberated day. Just as the fight for marriage equality paved the way among years and places where it is not allowed, this opportunity to marry on Lag BaOmer, among the days we count the omer, exemplifies our journey toward creating a place for everyone, regardless of who they love. As we gather around the joyful fires, let's remember that by supporting each other's right to love and be loved, we build a world that's truly inclusive and embracing of all unique paths to happiness. Happy Lag BaOmer! 🔥

24/05/2024

🌈 Pansexual Visibility Day is our act of resistance against biphobia and panphobia. We celebrate and assert the validity of diverse attractions, smashing the limitations of a monosexual society. 💖💙💛🏳️🌈

23/05/2024

✡️🏳️‍🌈 Gaavah, a Jewish Brazilian LGBTQIA+ community organization, is launching a campaign to honor Rosely Roth (1959-1990) – a pioneer activist of the LGBTQIA+ movement in Brazil. Rosely was born in a Jewish family and she became a key figure in the uprising of the Ferro’s bar, “our little Stonewall”, that took place in São Paulo, headed by a group of le***ans, in 1983.

Also, Rosely was the first LGBTQIA+ person to speak openly about sexuality and identity in Brazilian television, in 1985. Besides that, she was a tireless fighter for the rights of le***ans and LGBTQIA+ people in general.

This campaign aims to raise funds to place a tombstone (matzeiva) on Rosely’s grave, in the Jewish cemetery of Vila Rosali (velho), in Rio de Janeiro.

May her memory be a blessing and a revolution!

Gaavah needs to raise approximately $2.000/USD

💟 Please consider making a donation via PayPal to: [email protected]

22/05/2024

🌈 Remembering Harvey Milk, a gay & jewish advocate whose legacy intertwines with our commitment to justice. Grounded in his Jewish values of "tikkun olam," the repair of the world, he paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights, echoing the Jewish imperative to fight for equality and justice. 🏳️🌈🌟

17/05/2024

🌈 Today, we unite in our resistance against homophobia and bigotry. Let's fight for a world where love prevails over prejudice and where all forms of discrimination are dismantled. 🏳️🌈❤️

14/05/2024

🇮🇱 Celebrating Israel's independence and the diversity that enriches its LGBTQ+ community! Just as the nation thrives on the principles of democracy and freedom, let's ensure that everyone's identity is respected and cherished. Today, we honor the LGBTQ+ Israelis who contribute to the vibrant mosaic of our homeland. Happy Independence Day to all, with pride and democracy! 🌈🇮🇱

07/05/2024