Touro Synagogue is developing a platform of support, education, and advocacy for issues affecting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. This group is in the beginning stages and we welcome input from all members of the community, gay and straight.  Please contact Dani Levine: danielle.z.levine@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved.

“Advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Jews. Includes event listings and membership information.”  Click here:  http://www.keshetonline.org/

Or Ami Award

Touro Sisterhood has received a Silver Or Ami award from the WRJ for the program, “Bullying: A Critical Issue.” The Or Ami “Light Of My People” awards  excellence in sisterhood programming and honors sisterhoods undertaking unusual and significant social justice programs, community service, or educational projects.   Touro’s award winning program, co-sponsored with Touro’s Social Action and LGBTQ initiatives, will be honored at the WRJ’s 48th Assembly in Washington, DC in mid December.

Future Events Being Considered:

Support:
-Touro Presence at PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians) meetings held on the second Thursday of every month.
-Anti-bullying programing
-Suicide prevention programming
-Group for “non-traditional” families

Education:
-Monthly text study with a queer focus (see calendar for upcoming dates)
-Speaker series featuring prominent gay Jews
-Lecture series on civil rights laws in Louisiana

Advocacy:
-Partnerships with local LGBTQ organizations