Profile: The Gay Jews

With the Faith and Homophobia conference fast approaching, the Gay Jews sat down with GAY.COM for a candid Q&A.


With the Faith and Homophobia conference fast approaching, to be held on February 17th 2007 in London, GAY.COM takes a look at a growing trend of LGBT religious and spirituality groups. With recent news focussing on the ever-present conflict between the gays and God, highlighted the need for gay interfaith dialogue, The Faith and Homophobia conference couldn’t be timelier.

The LGBT Jewish community have had their fair share of challenges last year when in November their Israeli counterparts became the centre of international concern when massive riots broke out in Jerusalem, threatening a planned Pride March. Despite the major security threats, 4000 attendees triumphed in a unifying statement to the Orthodox Jews who have continually blasted homosexuality as an abomination.

Edward Teeger of Jewish Lesbian and Gay Group, representing the Jewish faith at the Faith and Homophobia Conference, did the following Q & A with GAY.COM

How did your organisation come about?

Thirty four years ago it was established as a social and support group, and it is, we believe, the first such group to be set up anywhere.

Gay culture and religion are immediately at odds with each other. Is this true?

Not for all Jews.

Are there conflicts between doctrine of your religion and your personal practices?

Some orthodox and right wing Jews have a real problem with gayness. The other denominations, Masorti, Reform and Liberal Jews accept that the strict biblical statement appears out of date, along with many other 3,000 year old laws that have been altered through the centuries.

The Chief Rabbi, who represents only the Orthodox Jews, seems to have accepted that gay couples can adopt through the only Jewish adoption agency, called Norwood, which I work for, subject to the usual procedures, such as inspections, investigations, parent's views and the needs of the child.

What are the basic tenants of your faith?

Monotheism, the 10 commandments, do unto others as you would they do unto you. The Jewish religion affects all daily life, eating, your home, work ethics etc and to perform the laws first and understanding will follow.

To be Jewish, like being gay, is a chance of birth, not a choice. There is no desire to convert others to Judaism, and no encouragement of celibacy at all.

What impact does your organisation have on the Jewish community?

Not much. We advertise our events in the Jewish press. All Jews chose which laws to obey and which to ignore.

What about the larger gay community?

We march every year at London Pride, advertise in the gay and Jewish press. The Jewish population of the UK is well below 1%, though perceptions may differ.

And the Rabbis? Do you get any support from them?

Yes, but not from all depending on their personal views. Even some Orthodox Rabbis now are tending to accept that gay Jews will not change and are created gay by God, but they do not offer a solution to the law against “sex with a man as with a woman is an abomination”.

The combination of sexuality and religion seems really tricky…and rather depressing. Do you guys have a laugh?? Talk about social atmosphere.

We love being part of two minorities that we find ourselves in by birth, Jewish and gay, and we celebrate them both. Some orthodox gay and lesbian people have a difficult conflict with their religious commitment and their sexuality.

The Faith and Homophobia conference will take place at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green Road on Saturday, February 17, 2007. Click on the links below to find out more and register.

Click here for a detailed programme of events.