A non-traditional SpeakOut! Panel will take place Thursday night featuring a specific angle focused on Judaism.
Hillel at Ohio University is sponsoring the panel, which will include three Jewish students who will tell their stories about how they identify as both Jewish and LGBT and will be followed by an opportunity for the audience to pose questions.
“As we have conversations with students about their lives, what is important to them, we realized the need to give a voice to the identity conversation for LGBT Jewish students who are an important and very engaged part of our community,” said Lauren Goldberg, the office administrator and engagement professional at Hillel.
It’s important to honor the experiences of the LGBT students and affirm their journeys, as well as identifying Hillel as an open organization, Goldberg said.
“We hope that people of all faith backgrounds, sexual and gender identities, and at different stages of their own identity journeys in life, faith, sexuality and gender exploration will be able to learn and find resonance in their own lives,” Goldberg said.
Marika Bresler, an active member of Hillel who is participating in the panel and a senior studying journalism, said this panel is important especially to those who may not be “out” as LGBT.
“I think it’s important for people to see someone who feels comfortable talking about it,” Bresler said. “I think it’s more than likely that in the crowd there will be someone who isn’t out yet and I think that seeing people who feel comfortable with themselves is really helpful to make you feel like you’re in a safe environment to come out.”
Bresler said Hillel is a safe environment to be out in and there are several other LGBT students that are involved with the community.
“Rabbi Danielle is extremely supportive and she is one of the easiest people to talk to in terms of adult figures,” Bresler said. “I didn’t even think about not telling her.”
The hope for the panel is that people come to celebrate diversity within their Jewish community, Goldberg said.
“We want a message of love, and the value of growth and identity exploration to come across,” Goldberg said.
If You Go
What: SpeakOut! Panel with Hillel
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Baker University Center room 237
Admission: Free
sm559111@ohiou.edu
