Social inclusion in Melbourne
In a milestone event for social inclusion in the Jewish community, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) held its first LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) Community Engagement Symposium.
The workshop in session
Over 80 participated including Jews of diverse sexual orientation and gender diversity, as well as their families, health and educational professionals, Jewish LGBTI community organisations and representatives from Synagogues and youth groups, including Habonim, Netzer and AUJS.
Jennifer Huppert, President of the JCCV, thanked the members of Parliament who attended – Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos, Member for Caulfield David Southwick and Member for Prahran Sam Hibbins as well as the Victorian Gender and Sexuality Commissioner, Rowena Allen.
Ms Huppert stated, “It is wonderful to see non-partisan support for social inclusion, and such a diversity of support for this Symposium from across the streams of Jewish tradition, including Orthodox, Conservative, Progressive and Secular.”
Speakers at the Symposium presented detailed research, as well as personal stories on mental health and other issues which affected Jews of diverse sexual orientation and gender diversity, arising from alienation, bullying, verbal and physical abuse, social exclusion and the effects of lack of support.
Presenters included Shaun Staunton, Beyond Blue, Dr Gavriel Ansara, LGBTI health expert, Sally Goldner, Executive Director of Transgender Victoria, Rebecca Forgasz, and JADE members Margot Fink and Sam Lilit.
The Symposium concluded with workshops exploring a range of issues, including Judaism and diversity, inclusive spaces in educational environments, what can community organisations do better and what would we like from our rabbis.
Ms Huppert stated, “The Symposium was a triumph for diversity and community support for inclusion. Hopefully this is a start for all communities, not just ours.”
Ms Huppert thanked the Youth Affairs Council for their financial support of the JCCV LGBTI Community Engagement project which includes the Symposium, a video communication initiative, a youth video competition and other activities to foster a more inclusive community.
