Pride Month is a wonderful time to reflect on the myriad ways our Jewishness and sexual or gender identities intersect. At Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS), we celebrate the rich diversity of experiences within our community, which embraces the values of inclusivity, social justice, and community – values that are at the heart of both our Jewish culture and LGBTQ+ Pride.
Our Jewish identity is rooted in heritage, history, and the sense of belonging and community. Similarly, Pride month is a time to reflect on the history of those who have opened the doors for today’s LGBTQ+ community to live openly and authentically. The history of Pride traces beyond the Stonewall Uprising, which erupted in the early hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. These riots were a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ history, marking the beginning of a more organized fight for equality and recognition which continues today.
As we celebrate Pride month, JCS highlights and honors the voices of those LGBTQ+ Jews who help shape our rich, diverse community. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals year-round. While we recognize that not all Jewish communities are affirming of LGBTQ+ identities, we however are committed to creating a space where Queer Jews can find safety, community and belonging. Our programs and services are designed to embrace the complexity of their intersectional identities, offering strength and resilience to those navigating their journey. The Counseling Center at JCS provides psychotherapy in an environment that is gender-affirming and supportive of sexual orientation. We are here for you. We hope that all LGBTQ+ people find safety, hope and joy in the places they live out loud!
Happy Pride for all of us at Jewish Collaborative Services
LGBTQ+ Community Resources
- Youth Pride https://www.youthprideri.org/
Youth Pride Inc. is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression while working to end the homophobic and transphobic environments in which they live, work, and play. YPI is a drop-in, affirming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning young people to build community, develop connections, and be themselves. All Youth Pride Inc. programs are free of charge.
- The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people under 25.
Trevor Lifeline – The only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ+ young people under 25, available at 1-866-488-7386.
PFLAG provides support, education, and advocacy for parents, families, friends, and allies of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. PFLAG offers a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and LGBTQ+ people to learn and grow together.
- TGI Network https://www.tginetwork.org/
TGI Network of RI works to serve the needs of the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex (TGI) communities in Rhode Island and surrounding areas through support, advocacy, and education.
- Pride in Aging https://prideinagingri.org/
Founded in 1995, Pride in Aging RI is an intergenerational and culturally diverse 501c3 nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to promoting, empowering, and contributing to the high quality of life for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender senior citizen community in Rhode Island through service, education, and advocacy.
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families in Jewish life.
Eshel works with each individual, family, and community in creating a place for their LGBTQ+ members. Eshel envisions a world where Orthodox LGBTQ+ individuals can live out their lives in the Orthodox communities of their choice.
Help Lines (If you need immediate help, please dial 9-1-1)
- PFLAG Greater Providence Help Line: (401) 307-1802
- The Trevor Lifeline: (866) 488-7386
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
- The GLBT National Help Center – Hotline: (888) 843-4564; Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
- The Samaritans of Rhode Island: (401) 272-4044 or (800) 365-4044