Gay activism back in 1979 - the 4th international conference of the World Congress of Gay Lesbian Jews
During the summer of 1979, the 4th international conference of the World Congress of Gay Lesbian Jews was held in Israel that included invited guests from CBST in New York. The Marina hotel and the Guest House at Ma’ale Hamisha (outside of Jerusalem) canceled the reservations for the conference goers for fear of loosing their hechsher and the conference was held in alternate locations. The conference participants joined a demonstration for the equal rights of homosexuals and lesbians that was held at what is today Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. The demonstration was organized by the Agudah. Happy Pride! Assaf
This is wonderful! It shows the first Pride assembly in Israel 30 years ago. At that time, we were knows as "Neimim" and "Neimot," which we later changed to "Geyim" and "Geyot." In any case, the idea was to peacefully state the obvious: we are here, we are queer (LGBT), get used to it." But the video also shows three women who are adamantly opposed to same-sex relationships, as well as a young man who says that it doesn’t bother him, so long as "they" enjoy "it." On the whole, esp. for its time, a courageous, up,lifting vignette!
Liora Moriel, Ph.D.
This clip appears to be a meeting at someone’s home the day before the demonstration. At least one or two members from CBST are shown in the video including Ira Rosen.
Amazing what gay activism in Tel Aviv was like 30 years ago!