Celebrating DistinctionsUnderstanding the LGBT Alliance within the needs of the San Francisco Bay Area

Jewish Community

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Overview• Beginnings- 1996 with the leadership of Al Baum• Mission- Increasing opportunities for Bay Area LGBT

Jews to fully participate and celebrate in Jewish life.• Staff- Lisa Finkelstein, Director• Lay Leadership- Arthur Slepian, Chair Advisory

Board• Core Partnership- Jewish Community Federation of

the Greater East Bay (JFED)• Online- http://www.qjew.org • 2010 Published Documents- LGBT Needs

Assessment Study and our Strategic Plan titled, Celebrating Distinctions

A Large & Diverse Community

• Estimated over 10% or 36,000 LGBT Jews amongst the total San Francisco Bay Area Jewish population

• Estimations do not include children raised in LGBT households or LGBT identified people under 18-years-old

• Diversity is vast across age, affiliations, gender identity, sexual orientation, geography, family status, spiritual connections, health status, socio-economic status, interests and social networks

77% OF ALL AMERICANS HAVE A

CLOSE FRIEND OR RELATIVE WHO IS GAY. - CBS NEWS

Sharing Similar and yet, Distinct Challenges

• Similar to the broader Jewish community, only more so….

• Affiliation • Inter-marriage• Israel Perspectives• Socio-Economic Status• Religious Observance

• And yet, some unique and distinct challenges…• Bullying• New family structures• Gender identity and expression

Not either/or, but both!

Long Term Priorities1. Targeted engagement & programming 2. Inclusion and Welcoming3. Access and Visibility4. Information and Connection5. Opportunities for Philanthropy

How does the LGBT Alliance build community?

PartnershipOur community is recognized globally as a model in LGBT inclusion.

In order to help sustain and build on this understanding we work alongside many organizations and work as active members of Kol Tzedek.

ActivismIn the Jewish tradition of pursuing tzedek or justice leaders of the LGBT Alliance together raise our voices and take action.

We are involved in the Marriage Equality Movement, host a Transgender Task Force & support anti-bullying initiatives.

Celebrations

Through multi-pronged efforts that includes leadership development, advocacy, and community organizing we celebrate our dualistic LGBT and Jewish identities.

We also work to welcome newcomers and celebrate LGBT and Jewish holidays.

Moving Forward• Build Community Partnerships• Develop Leadership• Foster Engagement with Israel• Develop online content and access to resources• Cultivate Giving

Strength in our WorkWelcoming &

Inclusion

The Power of Change

A Bellwether of the Future