Almost 20 members of the Sydney Jewish community have gathered at Emanuel Synagogue for the launch of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies’ (JBD) LGBTQ+ Mentorship Program.
The inaugural five-month program, which kicked off with a guest talk by psychotherapist Brandon Srot, is designed to support and engage Jewish LGBTQ+ individuals through one-on-one mentoring sessions, informal group discussions and a range of sessions with professional speakers. Participants will learn more about themselves and their personal journey, create a Jewish LGBTQ+ support network, and form steadfast relationships with mentors and mentees.
“The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse Jewish community that emboldens and supports all individuals who identify as LGBTQ+,” said JBD community officer Speedy Shatari.
“As a Jewish and LGBTQ+ non-binary person, I am incredibly proud to have helped implement this program and it is my hope that this initiative will encourage others to feel more comfortable to be their authentic selves.”
JBD CEO Darren Bark and vice-president David Ossip also spoke at the launch.
Photos: Giselle Haber