The Hebrew word for Pride is Ga’avah. The interpretation is about standing tall and publicly rising up in majesty.
This June, it’s definitely time for some Ga’avah.
I’m a cis heterosexual female who was born into the right body. That’s an easy thing to be. I’m, in many ways, exactly what the world wants me to be.
I am also the parent to a non-binary, sexually fluid human. That’s a much harder thing to be.
And we are both Jewish. And as we all know, that can be a very hard thing to be, particularly in public spaces.
PRIDE festival activities across the month of June
I love everything about the experience of PRIDE. I love that anyone can be the person they actually are, and do it in public. I love that my Jewish community orchestrates ways for this to happen, particularly during the PRIDE festival activities across the month of June.
The Going Out Coming In Tour is a great opportunity for our community to see the breadth and history of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Twin Cities. For so many generations, this community has had to hide and ensure safety precautions to just be who they are. As Jews, we understand this all too well. Getting the opportunity to see the secret history and bring it to the forefront is a don’t-miss for anyone who supports the chance for everyone to be who they are. The tour is on June 8.
The PRIDE parade is on Sunday June 29. Here is your chance to Loudly and Proudly live with Ga’avah. If you’ve never been to a PRIDE event, this is the way to start. The sun will shine on a community full of people who are embracing their identities. The experience is simultaneously broadening and focusing.
You will see people of every size, shape, and color. Of every age, gender, and sexuality. And they likely will be presenting in a way that affirms who they are as a member of a marginalized community, be it related to a Queer spectrum or a Jewish spectrum.
As Jews, we get the opportunity to join together with J-Pride at the parade.
It’s everything PRIDE, elevated by being a part of our Jewish community. Together, we rise as a people by singing and dancing, marching and waving, shining loud and bright for the right to be whoever you are. The solidarity of doing this in a collective of fellow Jews is inspiring.
And if you are looking for a more traditional Jewish way to speak your Ga’avah at PRIDE, consider sharing your Jewish voice on June 28. Rabbis from Adath Jeshurun & Mount Zion will join a Shir Tikvah song leader at Loring Park for a TC Pride / Faith Community pluralistic service. Bring your voice, your kavanah, and your identity to this engaging service.
More information about all of these events can be found at J-Pride’s Pride Hub!
Additionally, if you are moved to share your gifts with the community, Torah readers are needed. Contact [email protected].
In this world, where it is often hard to be publicly Queer or publicly Jewish, I personally invite you to be who you are and hold up others as they do the same with J-Pride. Wear your Ga’avah with PRIDE.
