Video launched in support of young Jewish people with diverse sexual and gender identities

A NEW video has been launched highlighting the stories of young Jewish people who have diverse sexual and gender identities, aiming to send the message that you can be both Jewish and LGBTI.

The project was developed by Jews All Diverse and Equal (JADE), the Jewish Community Council of Victoria’s (JCCV) LGBTI advisory group.

One of the video’s participants, Nevo Zisin, said the video was timely for LGBTI youth now more than ever given the recent attack on the Safe Schools Coalition.

“I don’t think I can understate its importance,” he told the Star Observer.

“It’s so crucial, particularly at this point in time with all the backlash against Safe Schools.

“It’s so important for the Jewish community to come and say that we support young LGBTI people… this is an issue we identify as our problem as well and we’re saying we’re going to do something about it.”

Zisin added the current conversation in Australia around young sexual and gender diverse people was having a damaging impact.

“We’re underestimating how much damage the current discourse is having on people,” he said.

“Regardless of where you stand on the issue you have to understand how damaging the dialogue is having on young people.

“It’s important to have things like this video to make a statement.

“I’m really honoured to be a part of it, it’s a really great opportunity to say to kids you don’t have to choose between your religious, or your cultural, or you sexual or gender identity.”

JCCV president Jennifer Huppert said the aim of creating the video was to ensure young LGBTI people felt welcome in the Jewish community.

“We want to highlight that diverse sexual and gender identities are welcome members of our community,” she told the Star Observer.

“It’s a tool made by young people, for young people, to really strengthen and highlight that message.

“And that message is that everyone must be treated with dignity and respect.”

Huppert believes the importance of a video like this shouldn’t be underestimated.

“It can’t be underestimated, the importance of showing acceptance, and for everybody in the community to stand up and really show that,” she said.

The video was directed by Margot Fink and created in collaboration with Minus18. It was produced with the support of a HEY Grant from the Youth Affairs Council.