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 March 1997 we hosted our Silver Jubilee Celebration weekend. Both events were attended by people from all over the world.
We are the longest established Jewish gay group in the world. Our membership is open to Jewish men and women who are gay, lesbian or bisexual and has a wide age range, including people from many different backgrounds. We welcome many non-Jews and non-gay guests and although our Group is based in London we have many members living across the country.
You do not have to be religious to join the group. We are primarily a social group, not a religious one, and most of our religious events are run along Liberal lines. Perhaps not surprisingly, the majority of our membership lean more towards the left in their religious outlook, than to the right and to orthodoxy. Whatever your leaning, you will be more than welcome.
To provide an atmosphere of friendship and support for Jewish gays, lesbians, bisexuals and their partners. Organise social, religious and informative events for our members and their guests. To act as ambassadors between the gay world and the Jewish world, trying to dispel ignorance and prejudice.
Although Jews and gays are both minority groups, gay people like others are sometimes guilty of anti-Semitism, and, on the other hand, although some Jewish organisations have recognised (and accepted) Jewish gays and lesbians, the Jewish community sometimes has limited understanding of what it means to be gay. Yet the two minorities have much in common and both face the hostility of extremist groups. Both Jews and gays have been objects of oppression by tyrants. Perhaps that's because both represent the innate right of the individual to be different.
Jewish gay men and lesbians frequently face a lack of understanding, and even hostility, when they come out to their parents and their wider family. Young gays and lesbians may be ostracised for not fitting into the expected pattern of family marriage and parenthood. This undermines previously warm family relationships. We offer a relaxed and supportive environment for all ages.
For these similar reasons our members find that the Jewish Gay & Lesbian Group provides a supportive and helpful environment.
We want the Jewish Gay & Lesbian group to be your alternative family for Jewish gays, lesbians, bisexuals, their lovers, friends, and relations.
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.