Acceptance and Feeling welcome in one's workplace
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Cantor Sharon Grainer and me, doing a selfie at Philly Gay Pride 2016 |
June is Gay Pride Month - Philadelphia celebrated their pride march a few weeks ago, and I marched in the parade as a representative of BZBI. It was my first official participation in the parade, save for the time 20 years ago when I rode my big red beach cruiser, decorated with tassels, streamers and a rainbow flag, and I inserted myself at the head of the parade and rode through the route as an unofficial "dyke on bike"! I sure do know how to have a good time!
This past May 20th, BZBI held a special Friday night Shabbat service, called Pride Shabbat. The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus sang a pre-shabbat concert service, and the entire service was open to our LGTBQ community. It was a beautiful evening, made so because it was inclusive of everyone in the community. At work that following Monday, we received an email from members who now live in Mexico, who were so touched to learn that BZBI held a Pride Shabbat. From their beautiful note to us, I realized that I wanted to know more about these men, Richard Sinovoi and Elliot Gould, two members of BZBI for over 30 years. I sent them an email requesting an interview of sorts, with a story about myself and my limited knowledge of them.
What follows is their story and mine, as it appears on the BZBI Shofar Blog. I'v excerpted some of the post here, and the link to the rest of their story, as it appears on BZBI's website can be reached here: https://bzbi.org/bzbi-welcoming-place-filled-acceptance-pride-lgtbq-community/

BZBI - a welcoming place, filled acceptance
and pride for our LGTBQ community.
I’ve
had the pleasure of working at BZBI for almost 12 years. For me, as a
non-Jewish person and an open lesbian, BZBI is a very welcoming place.
I’ve had the opportunity to have my son attend the preschool here; watch many gay and lesbian couples join us and
get married here (a few, not enough but we’ve had the weddings!); and,
especially to witness two very special members, Elliot Gould and Richard
Sinovoi, become a legal couple in the State of PA and the entire USA.
When
I had my wedding last year to my partner (now wife!), our marriage was met with
open arms and many congratulations. Liz and I have been married 1 year
and we are together 17 years. Everyone here has been entirely supportive
of me and who I am.
During
my years here, I have crossed paths with Elliot and Richard. While we all
may not “know” each-other, I have heard a lot about them; I’ve greeted them at
High Holidays in the past; and we’ve spoken at length on the phone. As my
gay brethren and forebears in the fight for equality, they serve as an
inspiration to me.
Our
office was delighted to receive an email from Richard and Elliot, on the
occasion of BZBI’s first, Pride Shabbat, on May 20th. In their email, they told us:
“I truly had tears in my eyes when I read the release
about Philly Pride and BZBI's participation. I should not have been
surprised, however, as BZBI is an exceptional place.”
“We are so very proud to have been part of the BZBI
family for so many years, and wish we could be in Philadelphia to join in the
Seder, and other celebrations.
Our thoughts and best wishes to you all.” Richard Sinovoi/Elliott Gould.
To read the rest of their story and my guest-posting on the BZBI Shofar Blog, please visit teh link here: https://bzbi.org/bzbi-welcoming-place-filled-acceptance-pride-lgtbq-community/
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