A Value: We Literally Walk Out. My Experience at Cincinnati Pride as a Queer Jew
The gay pride parade is all about celebrating who you are loudly and proudly, and this applies to the Jewish community as well. Despite the dreary weather, thousands of people showed up to walk or watch the parade, including Cincinnati’s Jewish community. Seeing the Mayerson JCC bus roll down Seventh Street, surrounded by queer Jews and Jewish allies was a reminder that my existence matters. (The huge hug I got from Rebecca Garfinkle made sure I didn’t forget that).
Sporting tie-dye t-shirts that read “All Love is Kosher”, the JCC wasn’t quiet about supporting the intersectionality of religion and romantic/gender identity. They also weren’t quiet about making sure marching in the parade was accessible for anyone who wanted to. Eowyn Garfinkle, one of the JCC’s representatives in this year’s Pride cohort, said, “…it was awesome to have an added accessibility component — our Mayerson JCC After Crew bus! This allowed for people to take a moment of relief in the air-conditioned bus if they needed a break.” Pride should be accessible for everyone, and the JCC’s efforts in accessibility during the parade and other events is truly commendable.
Everyone I spoke to agreed that the Cincinnati Jewish community is one of the most welcoming of all queer identities. Clara Babcock, the Engagement Manager at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, said “The Cincinnati Jewish community does such an amazing job at fostering inclusion for all, and I really felt that unity and love during Pride this year.” Ilan Goldman, the Major Gifts Officer at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, echoed this sentiment. “…the moment that made my heart full came when a non-Jewish girl walked up to me, gave me a hug, and told me I wore the prettiest yarmulke she’d ever seen, thanking me for wearing it.” In such a time of uncertainty, when Jewish people and queer people are being attacked for being themselves, it’s moments like this that remind us that we are better together.
If there’s one thing that Jews value, it’s putting our ideals into practice. Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is one of our most important values. Sometimes Tikkun Olam looks like picking up all the trash in the park, and sometimes it’s marching in a parade to remind ourselves and others that we should all be accepted for who we are. Chandler Waite, the Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) summed up this feeling beautifully. “For me, Pride is a reminder that no one should have to choose between the communities that shape who they are. The JCRC marching in Cincinnati’s Pride parade demonstrates that inclusion isn’t just something we talk about, but a value we literally walk out. Continuing our annual participation provides visible support that can make a lasting difference for people who are looking for acceptance, hope, and community.”
The Cincinnati Jewish community also had a booth at Sawyer Point Park Pride Festival, run by elech, a queer Jew-ish space that runs events celebrating the intersection of the queer and Jewish communities. Though the booth was at the far end of the festival this year, there were many folks, both Jewish and non-Jewish, that came by, said “hello”, took stickers, and asked questions. Through these interactions, I could feel the divide that has somewhat split our communities over the last few years start to heal. My Pride experience this year reminded me how “beshert”, or meant to be, it is for me to be, loudly and proudly, a queer Jew.
