Across the continent, JCCs honored Pride Month with vibrant events, heartfelt conversations, and moments of celebration, large and small. Here’s a look at how our JCC communities showed up to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the beautiful intersection of Jewish and queer identities!
- At the Edlavitch DCJCC in Washington, D.C., a suite of Pride programs explored the intersection of Jewish and queer identities through art, storytelling, and community gatherings. Included were a clothing drive and serve-and-learn event to benefit queer youth experiencing homelessness, free outdoor concerts, and story time with PJ Library and the Capital Jewish Museum. Pride Shabbat, a screening of the documentary “Sabbath Queen,” and a booth at the Capital Pride Festival were other events hosted by the JCC.
- In the Bay Area, the JCC of San Francisco hosted a lively Pride Family Festival featuring a kid-friendly drag show, hands-on crafts, and activities from local community partners. It was a celebration full of color, creativity, and community.
- In partnership with three local synagogues, the Roth Family JCC in Orlando, Florida, hosted a Shabbat service, oneg, and reception for hundreds of guests to celebrate inclusion and representation. J Los Angeles in California also hosted a Pride-themed community Shabbat.
- Jewish for Good in Durham, North Carolina, hosted a joyful afternoon of Pride programming for the entire community that embodied Jewish for Good’s commitment to belonging, visibility, and joyful self-expression. Events included Pound for Pride, a high-energy drumming workout that blended movement, music, and empowerment and Drag Story Hour with local icon Stormie Daie, who dazzled with stories and sparkle. An inclusive Pride swim offered poolside relaxation and a great way to connect and cool off.
- In Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Rady JCC collaborated with community partners to host a Pride event that welcomed members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. The evening featured a delicious meal, a heartfelt musical Havdalah ceremony, and an electrifying performance by three talented drag queens. More than a Pride celebration, the event helped build connections, foster inclusivity, and honor the diversity that strengthens the community. It also marked the official launch of year-round LGBTQIA+ outreach programming, which will begin in the fall.
- During an evening of inclusivity and love, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, New Jersey, hosted a Pride concert in its courtyard that featured LGBTQAI+ voices in the community. People came to hear fellow members and colleagues who shared through song and speech, honoring the beauty of self-expression, love, and belonging. Wine, mocktails, and appetizers rounded out the event.
- At the Simon Family JCC in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Dr. Sara Glass visited to discuss her novel, “Kissing Girls on Shabbat.” More than a love letter to her children, herself, and her family, the book offers an honest, powerful glimpse into ultra-conservative Orthodox Jewish life—and a moving journey of self-discovery and self-love.
- JCC London in Ontario, Canada, Mittleman JCC in Portland, Oregon, and the Tucson JCC in Arizona each brought their own unique flavor to Pride Month. London’s Pride Party featured rainbow challah braiding and a screening of the award-winning, queer Jewish film “I Was Not Born a Mistake,” with all donations supporting future Pride programming. Mittleman JCC delighted the community with a hit Drag Queen Bingo event, while the Tucson JCC honored its commitment to belonging by hosting a JPride Shabbat happy hour for LGBTQ+ staff and allies, building and strengthening connections before expanding similar programming to a larger audience.
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