The Cincinnati Jewish community will hold its own Pride minyan service at an undisclosed location in downtown Cincinnati before the Pride parade on June 22, according to an email sent to the community from Jewish Federation CEO Danielle Minson.
Because of security concerns, Cincy Jewfolk will not publish the location of the Jewish Pride event on June 22, although it will be available once participants register. Registration is required to attend the service.
The move comes after two prominent queer Jews were forced to resign from Cincinnati Pride for supporting Israel after being doxxed by Cincinnati Socialists and DivestCinciPride.
The Federation and JCRC hope to help Jewish LGBTQ community members and allies still participate in Pride. However, they are sober about the risks Jewish community members may take by attending pride this year.
“Although it is deeply uncomfortable for me to suggest this, it has been recommended that individuals exercise caution when wearing items that visibly identify them as Jewish, as this could increase the likelihood of being targeted by harassment,” said Minson. “However, we encourage those who feel comfortable to proudly display their Jewish identity as a testament to our resilience and solidarity.”
Across the US many Jewish members of the LGBTQ community have reported feeling unwelcome at Pride events according to A Wider Bridge an Israeli LGBTQ advocacy organization.
Included in the email from Minson, was a letter of “explanation and context” from Cincinnati Pride President of the Board of Directors Benjamin Morano.
“We recognize how inactions, lack of representation, and ignorance within our own organization resulted in additional harm of the individuals impacted and have contributed to systems of oppression,” said Morano. “We are committed to continuing this dialogue and learning to operate in better ways moving forward.”
At and after the community service, the Federation wants to help members of the community who want to attend the parade and those who may not feel safe enough to participate as fully in Pride as they can by offering multiple options to LGTBQ Jews and allies.
Some of the options include:
- Attend the service only
- Attend the service, then stand along the parade route with Jewish community members
- Attend the service, then walk in the parade with Jewish community members
- Not attend the service but stand with Jewish community members along the parade route
- Not attend the service but walk with Jewish community members in the parade
“Participants should be prepared for possible uncomfortable situations and verbal harassment,” the email said. “Due to these concerns and potential protests, consider leaving younger children at home.”
The Federation hopes that still participating in Pride this year, despite what it called “unfortunate challenges,” will help keep the community from being marginalized.
“We believe it is crucial to have a strong presence at Pride this year – not only to support our local LGBTQIA+ Jews but also to demonstrate that we will not allow antisemitic behavior to push the Jewish community out of public spaces,” said the JCRC.
Very informative, well written, and interesting article. Thanks for providing this information to the Jewish community!
I attended Cincy Pride with a silver Magen David painted prominently on the back of my Pride jersey, and this helped me make a few connections to other Jews attending the festival.
While I was not accosted, verbally or otherwise, I gave the pro-terrorism folks my 2 shekels. I approached and said, “I don’t think you’re pro-Palestinian enough. If you really want to show your solidarity, then go to Ramallah, right to the town square, and wave your rainbow flag there. Or better yet, go right up the Temple Mount and wave it in front of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Believe me, the reception you receive will just amaze you.”
They said, “That’s disgusting.”
I replied, “What’s disgusting is your anti-semitic bigotry. F* You!” And with that, I left.
Sometimes, you just have to get it off your chest.