Introduction

The Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group, JGLG, was founded in 1972 when a small advert in Gay News attracted the astonishing total of 190 people to a public meeting called to set up the new organisation. Since then the Group has gone from strength to strength. In 1993 we co-hosted the 13th International Conference of Gay & Lesbian Jews, and in October 2002 we hosted our 30th Anniversary Celebration weekend. People from all over the world attended both events.

We are the longest established Jewish LGBT group in the world. Our membership is open to Jewish men and women who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender including people from many different backgrounds. We welcome non-Jewish partners to all events and non-LGBT & non-Jewish guests to certain events, and although the group is based in London we have many members living across the country.

Our membership covers a fairly broad age range, and in early 2009 we launched Young JGLG to promote the inclusion of the under-35 Jewish LGBT community. They are represented on the main JGLG committee and some events are exclusive to the younger membership.

We are primarily a social rather than religious group, and most of our religious events tend to follow Progressive/Reform traditions.

We are affiliated to the World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Jews and work collaboratively with other organisations to ensure a breadth of opportunities for the Jewish LGBT community.

Our Aims

To provide an atmosphere of friendship and support for Jewish lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and their partners.
To organise social, religious and informative events for our members and their guests.
To act as ambassadors between the LGBT and Jewish worlds, trying to dispel ignorance and prejudice.

Why a Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group?

Because Jews and LGBT are minority groups it is important that there is space for us to come together to celebrate.

Why is the group so successful? Probably because we offer a relaxed and supportive environment for all ages, where the Jewish LGBT community has the opportunity to meet and socialise with likeminded people. It can be reassuring to meet people with similar shared experiences.

Young JGLG

Young JGLG runs regular events and provides social opportunities for LGBT Jews aged 18-35. We run a wide range of events, including drinks in Soho, gigs at central London venues, pub quizzes and evenings out at the cinema. Working in close partnership with other groups we also organise popular Pride events every summer. We are always open to new ideas and welcome anyone who is Jewish and LGBT in this age group. You can find us online at our dedicated Facebook pages. Our Young JGLG co-ordinators keep these pages up-to-date with the latest information about forthcoming events. So come join us and meet other young LGBT Jews.

Our Activities

Regular separate women's and men’s events such as restaurant nights
Co-sponsorship of the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
Summer weekends by the sea with optional social and Shabbat events
Various mixed social events such as

Fireworks/Israeli Independence Day/Valentine’s Day parties
Bowling
Discussions/Talks
Music events
Walks

Celebration of religious festivals e.g. Seder night and social events for Purim, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah
Last Friday of the month - 'Chavurah' (Hebrew for meeting of friends) to celebrate the start of Shabbat. The services are taken by gay or lesbian Rabbis or rabbinical students and are followed by a ‘bring a veggie dish’ buffet. Sometimes we have a guest speaker to lead post-supper discussions on a specific theme.

Our events provide a safe, confidential and relaxed atmosphere and for these reasons our members find that JGLG provides a supportive and helpful environment. Most events are exclusive to members and their partners, however we open some to friends and family. We also welcome Jewish LGBT parents and their children to events that are particularly family-friendly. These are advertised in our Newsletter and on the website in advance of the event date.

We hope you will look upon JGLG as an alternative family for Jewish lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender, their lovers, friends and relations, and look forward to welcoming you to our events.

Our Constitution

Please feel free to download the JGLG constitution in PDF format. You will need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader the first time you view this type of file.

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