LGBT Jewish Heroes Celebrated

Harvey Milk, Kate Bornstein and Leslea Newman are among the famous faces featured on a new series of posters celebrating LGBT Jewish Heroes. The project – created by Keshet – launches just in time for Harvey Milk Day on May 22. The day of remembrance celebrates the gay San Francisco supervisor who made history before being assassinated along with the city’s mayor George Moscone in 1978. A movie – Milk – starring Sean Penn (he won an Oscar for portraying the gay icon) was made three years ago about the trailblazing leader’s advocacy and legacy.

Keshet, a national organization working for the full inclusion of LGBT Jews in Jewish life, created the campaign to spotlight Jewish people who have made strides, not only in the gay community, but also in politics, arts, journalism and culture.

“Supporting LGBT youth means celebrating queer Jewish heroes,” says Idit Klein, Kehset’s executive director. “I want gay kids to walk into their day school and Hebrew school classrooms and see that their community is honoring LGBT Jewish visionaries. My hope is that seeing these posters for LGBT Jews will help young LGBT Jews and their friends and family never question their rightful place in the community.”

Posters are available online, along with web pages dedicated to a collection of influential LGBT Jewish people in the U.S. The site features biographies, photos and a topical link to other information. People can also nominate LGBT Jewish heroes for the ongoing educational campaign.