Jewish Outlook - South Africa
Website: www.jewishoutlook.org.za
Email address: info@jewishoutlook.org.za
Support line: 0762158600
Jewish OutLook has three main aims and objectives to the formation of the Jewish OutLook Organisation.
Firstly, there is a real need for a support network to be offered to Jewish LGBTI people who are in the process of coming out. This can enable individuals to deal with often very strong feelings of alienation and isolation. Parents at the Trembling screenings also expressed a need for a support group in which to share experiences and to discuss how to deal with the coming out of their children.
Secondly, there is a real need for a social environment in which Jewish LGBTI people can meet one another. There are many cultural similarities as well as parallels in the experience of Jewish LGBTI people and many individuals have expressed the need for social settings in which to meet one another.
Finally, It is felt that there is a need for political presentation LGBTI people within the Jewish Community. Jewish people need some presentation in the LGBTI community, for instance, by creating alliances and social networks with like-minded groups of other faiths.
Jewish OutLook believes that LGBTI people need not choose between their sexual and gender identities and their Jewish identities. It is possible to reconcile both. We reject the view that the Jewish religion is opposed to our sexual and gender identities and believe in a vision of Judaism that embraces diversity of sexual orientation and gender identities. Modern scholarship within all denominations of Judaism supports our view. We believe in the development and promotion of a positive Jewish and LGBTI identity for all our members.
Jewish OutLook does not believe in outing anyone. We believe in assisting people at all stages from being in the closet to being totally out. We are nevertheless committed to ensuring that those people who wish to live out and proud lives are able to do so with dignity in our communities. Those people who are in the closet may be interested in our support services (see support link).
For all, we will hold events and aim to provide decent representation in the Jewish and LGBTI communities.