With the current war in Israel, the Jewish world faces once again a gut-wrenching familiar threat to its legitimacy and existence. Sadly, this is also an ongoing experience of the transgender community all over the world.
Transgender Awareness Month is held every November. This is an annual celebration of transgender history, and the transgender community. The month is centered around educating people about the transgender community, raising visibility of transgender people, and advocating for their rights.
Jewish tradition teaches us that every single person, of every gender and identity, is created b’Tzelem Elohim, in the image of the Divine. It also teaches the notion of pikuach nefesh, saving lives. Led by these two principles, we want to offer the following resources as more restrictive laws and communities put at risk those who among us identify as trans. We hope these resources help you in your personal or organizational advocacy for transgender youth:
The Jewish Coalition to Defend Trans and LGBQ+ Youth
Thrive is a project of Keshet, an organization advancing LGBTQ equality in Jewish life across North America and SOJOURN, which empowers communities to advance and celebrate gender and sexual diversity across the Southern United States. Review their member list, and join the coalition to receive information about their upcoming events.
Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People
An introductory educational resource that covers topics and best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary young people by The Trevor Project.
Webinar: Demystifying Teen Language Around Gender
Moving Traditions help us understand teen language on gender, what it represents, and why it matters to them. You will also find other resources for supporting trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive teens in your lives.
