A culturally sensitive and confidential support service for Jewish 16-21-year-olds who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender - or think that they might be - will be launched in spring.
It follows an in-depth survey conducted by the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group (JGLG) to ascertain the wishes and concerns of young LGBTQs. The majority responded that they wanted a Jewish service sympathetic to their situation. Many expressed fears about coming out within the Jewish community.
The steering group is working with UJIA, youth movements and Keshet UK. Steering group chair Karen Lewis said the service would offer a safe and confidential space for events, with an information phone-line a longer term goal. There was also a secret Facebook group and a launch event being organised in north London in April.
"This is an exciting and well overdue project," Ms Lewis added.
"We are providing activities and guidance to young people, showing them that it is possible to be both Jewish and LGBTQ. Fifteen people have signed up and we expect that number to increase massively."
For more details, email sam@jglg.org.uk
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