Sojourn: Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity

Today, we wanted to share this Blessing for Trans Bodies as Embodied Protest, written by Vivid "Viv" Young and published in Tefillat Trans.

According to the author, this prayer is meant to be said when one desires to thank Hashem for the progressive and subversive nature of their trans body. We love how this prayer exemplifies the inherent holiness of trans folks ✨

Image description: A photo of sunny ripples on a clear blue body of water. Text over the photo reads "Blessing for Trans Bodies as Embodied Protest, written by Vivid 'Viv' Young via Tefillat Trans. Blessed are you, Adonai, the Transforming One, who grants me a body of truth with which I may create ripples in the world."

***rJudaism

Today, September 10, is World Su***de Prevention Day. Unfortunately, this is a day that relates heavily to our work for LGBTQ+ folks in the South.

1 in 5 trans and non-binary youth attempt su***de. Su***de risk for trans people has increased over the past couple of years as more restrictive laws have been introduced, many of them restricting access to health care. However, recent studies show that immediate access to gender-affirming hormone therapy can ease distress, depression and suicidal thoughts for trans adults by over 50%. Allowing q***r and transgender people to be themselves, with the medical and social support that they need, is life-saving.

One of the most important teachings of Judaism is pikuach nefesh, the idea that we can and should do nearly anything in the service of saving a life. We are taught that if we save one person’s life, it is as if we have saved the whole world. It is fundamentally Jewish, and part of su***de prevention, to support, uplift, and fight for the q***r and trans people in our communities.

To our q***r and trans siblings: we're glad you're here. 🤍

Image description: A blue graphic with white text across the top that reads "World Su***de Prevention Day", followed by an illustration of a brain with flowers coming out of it.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

Volunteer at SOJOURN's booth at the Atlanta Pride festival!

SOJOURN is seeking volunteers for our Pride Festival booth on October 13. Staffing the booth involves informing people of area programs, giving out swag, inviting people to take photos, and creating overall camaraderie. You can be the first to sign up for a shift here!

https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C0E45AAAD23A7F8C34-50425891-pride

Image descriptions: Photos of volunteers at SOJOURN's Atlanta Pride booth, standing behind a table and smiling at the camera.

Let's talk about Georgia's trans sports ban hearings.

Last month, a Georgia Senate committee hosted hearings to kick off a new push to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports. The committee heard testimony from five former college swimmers who are suing the NCAA and Georgia Tech over a trans athlete’s participation in the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championships. There’s already a trans sports ban in effect in Georgia - the legislature passed a law allowing the Georgia High School Association to regulate transgender women’s participation in sports, and the GHSA then banned trans participation. Conservatives want to pass further legislation to take that decision-making power away from the GHSA.

Judaism teaches us that our highest priority, which takes precedence over any other commandment, is to save a life. That includes supporting policies that allow transgender youth to live and thrive as themselves, including on the sports field. Rejecting transgender students from sports teams fundamentally goes against the tenet of Judaism to protect others from harm. Transgender students - like all students - thrive when they are treated with kavod, or respect. We believe that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of G-d. LGBTQ+ individuals should never be discriminated against, whether in housing, healthcare, or on the sports field.

Just as we envision a Southern Jewish community where trans youth are fully embraced, we envision a South where trans youth have many outlets to experience camaraderie, perseverance, and excellence - including school sports. We bring Jewish communities with us in our work towards this reality.

Image descriptions: Four purple graphics with purple and black text, containing the text in the caption.

Check out this upcoming programming from some of our very cool partners!

Come see 2019 Purim Off Ponce honoree Bex Taylor-Klaus on September 29 in the Transfabulous short film screening as part of Out On Film, Atlanta's LGBTQ+ film festival! In the film Pace, a transmasculine boxer, Remy, wrestles with the decision to transition and seek top surgery at the potential cost of their marriage. Learn more and get tickets at https://2024outonfilm.eventive.org/films/pace-66c3a9189dcd1100790f5a36

Over the past few months, has been collecting responses to their groundbreaking pulse survey documenting the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color in Jewish spaces. If you identify as an LGBTQ+ Jew and a Person of Color, your voice is crucial — please share your story by completing the survey before it closes September 22nd! surveymonkey.com/r/BLZDWPL

Today's goes out to our "Back to School with Pride!" Pathways to Progress panelists, who shared their years of experience and deep wisdom with the SOJOURN community last week. To Harrison, Ari, Elaine, PC, and Sylvia: thank you so much for all that you do for q***r youth and families in your school communities!

If you'd like to view a recording of the conversation, it's up on SOJOURN's YouTube channel! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIG83Ep9LRg&t=3s

The Pathways to Progress Speaker Series is sponsored by the Breman Foundation.

Image description: Four photos of each of our Pathways to Progress panelists mid-engaging Zoom conversation.

SOJOURN is devastated by the news of the school shooting at Apalachee High School, just an hour away from our home base in Atlanta. As an organization that fights for all youth to feel safe in their schools and for mental health support across the South, this act of violence is particularly devastating.

We found comfort in these words from Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman, originally shared at an anti-gun violence rally in New Hampshire. We hope you do as well.

May the memories of the two students and two teachers lost be a blessing.

Image description: A graphic with a photo of a candle in the background, and text that reads "Blessed are you who bear the light in unbearable times, who testify to its endurance amid the unendurable, who bear witness to its persistence when everything seems in shadow and grief. -Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman".

SOJOURN is currently working to identify a dynamic, geographically-diverse, and influential slate of new board members from across the Southeast for our 2025-26 cycle. We're on a mission to empower communities to advance and celebrate gender and s*xual diversity across the South. If you're ready to shape a brighter future for all, consider joining our Board of Directors!

Board members actively shape SOJOURN’s present and future. From engaging in Board meetings to fueling fundraising to representing us in the community, Board members are the heartbeat of our impact.

If Board service isn’t right for you (for any reason – no judgement here) – you can still help us out by telling your friends, family, and colleagues.

You can learn more about SOJOURN's board and fill out an interest form at the links below!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12HyxSfRp-uzO1Vylntb3sKM1mFXPHzAA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117226377112649789268&rtpof=true&sd=true

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXb10VYTB1Frgmkgw-g6x9Lytr-r_jbQWOOLvR5eM1coGYUg/viewform

Image description: A photo of SOJOURN board members throwing their hands up and smiling at the camera. Text at the top of the photo reads "Join the SOJOURN Board!" and the SOJOURN logo is in the lower right corner.

Happy first day of Elul, SOJOURN community!

In addition to being a month of reflection and growth, Elul is also a month of wordplay! The letters of the month make an acronym for "Ani l'dodi v'dodi li", or "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine", a phrase from the Song of Songs often incorporated as a part of Jewish weddings. Another Elul acronym is "Your G-d will open up your heart and the hearts of your [offspring]", from the Sh'ma/V'ahavta. And that's just two of many, many more!

May your Elul be full of love, open-heartedness, and puns!

Image descriptions: Two graphics with pastel patchwork quilt backgrounds and the Hebrew letters that spell out "Elul" along the right side. The first graphic has "Ani l'dodi v'dodi li" lined up with the corresponding Hebrew letters, and text on the left with the translation "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." The second graphic has "Et L'vavcha v'et l'vav" lined up with the corresponding Hebrew letters, and text on the left with the translation "Your G-d will open up your heart and the hearts of your [offspring]."

Last Monday, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a law that restricts gender-affirming care for trans adults.

SB254, which was signed into law in May 2023 but blocked in June 2024, requires that gender-affirming care for adults only be administered by physicians. 80% of gender-affirming care in Florida is administered by nurse practitioners rather than physicians. This is common for many types of medical care across the country. With SB254 in effect, many trans adults in Florida can no longer access hormone-replacement therapy.

Anti-trans legislators are taking a page out of the playbook of the anti-abortion movement - imposing unnecessary restrictions and regulations to make gender-affirming care for adults difficult to access, even if they can’t ban it altogether. Lawmakers have often attempted to justify gender-affirming care bans for youth by saying they are “protecting children from irreversible medical decisions.” Restrictions for adults expose their true anti-trans agenda.

One of the most important Jewish teachings is pikuach nefesh - the idea that our highest priority, as Jews, is to save a life. Su***de risk for trans people has increased over the past couple of years as more restrictive laws have been introduced, many of them restricting access to health care. However, recent studies show that immediate access to gender-affirming hormone therapy can ease distress, depression and suicidal thoughts for trans adults by over 50%. Bans on health care for transgender people fundamentally go against Jewish teaching to protect and affirm the lives of others.

Just as we envision a Jewish South where no one has to leave their congregation or community in order to live as their fullest selves, we envision a South where trans people can access their health care in their neighborhoods, rather than having to cross state lines. We bring Jewish communities with us in our work towards a day when no trans person will have to live in uncertainty about their health care.

Image descriptions: Four green graphics with yellow and black text, containing the text in the caption.

Atlanta Jewish organizations have one more week to sign up and join SOJOURN for Atlanta Pride in October!

On Sunday, October 13, the celebrations will commence at the Atlanta Pride festival with a Pride parade watch party and bagel brunch. Join us as an official Atlanta Jewish community Pride partner to get in on the post-High Holy Days fun come October! More info here: https://sojourngsd.org/atlanta-pride/

Image description: A photo of a child with a Pride flag wrapped around them and a Pride sticker on their cheek blowing a shofar on SOJOURN's 2023 Pride float. Text on the photo reads "Attention! Last call to be part of Atlanta Pride with SOJOURN!"

Today is Labor Day! Today, we want to honor Rose Schneiderman, a Jewish le***an who was one of the most prominent figures in the women's labor movements of the early 1900s.

At just 21, Schneiderman organized the factory she worked at into a branch of the United Cloth Hat and Cap Makers' Union, which led to her becoming a longtime leader in the Women's Trade Union League and the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She was an influential figure in the 1909 strike known as the "Uprising of the 20,000" and the activism following the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. She was key in shaping landmark labor legislation like the the National Labor Relations Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and passing a minimum wage law in New York.

Schneiderman had a long-term romantic relationship with fellow labor activist Maud Swartz. She is often credited with coining the phrase "The woman worker needs bread, but she needs roses too."

Image description: A black-and-white photo of Rose Schneiderman speaking from a lectern at a rally, set against a red background. Text above the photo reads "Happy Labor Day!" and text below the photo reads "Rose Schneiderman, Jewish le***an labor leader and activist".

Good (genderfluid) Shabbos, SOJOURN community! We hope you find maximum q***r potential this week 👑❤️‍🔥

Image description: A tweet from that reads "Tales from AJ Heschel's The Sabbath, paraphrased to maximize q***r potential: Shabbat is genderfluid, says Rabbi Hanina, but 'incipent spouse'; sounds less appropriate than bride so let's go with bride." The tweet is followed by a photo from a book with text reading "The same Rabbi Hanina who celebrated the Sabbath as a queen preferred on another occasion to compare the Sabbath with a king." The tweet is set against a photo of a pink and purple sunset.

***rJudaism

SOJOURN's Drawing from the Well group will resume on a monthly basis tomorrow, August 30, at 12:30 PM ET on Zoom.

We invite you to join SOJOURN's virtual meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies to further community and connection. During our time together, we bring resources from Torah Q***ries and mussar to discuss Jewish teachings, current events, and lived experiences.

Visit sojourngsd.org/upcoming-events for more info!

Questioning your s*xuality can feel overwhelming, scary, and come with a lot of shame. This prayer for questioning s*xuality by Robert Bernardo is a wonderful reframing of this uncertainty as something joyful and worthy of being celebrated. It's so special and holy that humans can engage in self-discovery!

https://ritualwell.org/ritual/questioning-s*xuality/

Image description: Two graphics with a background of colorful question marks and white text in blue highlight. The text on the first graphic reads "Prayer for Questioning Sexuality" and the text on the second graphic reads "Blessed are you, Source of Eternity, for giving me the ability to question my s*xuality and how I choose to express my s*xuality. You have given me the power to choose, and these choices are my own.Together, let’s all celebrate the sweetness! May our bodies sing in joy, in the infinite possibilities of love and affection. Together, may we all sing the Song of Solomon, songs of joy and songs of praise. Ivdu et Hashem b’simchah bo’u l’fanav bir’nana. Serve God with joy, come before the Eternal One with song."

***rJudaism

Let's talk about Texas's new driver's license restrictions for trans folks.

Last week, the Texas Department of Public Safety emailed employees telling them to stop accepting gender marker changes on drivers’ licenses, and document attempts to change drivers license gender markers. Under previous DPS rules, people were able to change the s*x on their driver's license if they presented an original certified court order. DPS has now stopped accepting court orders as a basis to change a person's s*x on their drivers license. The change was prompted by the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's concerns about “validity" of the court orders.

If you’re trans in Texas and going through a gender marker change process: Do not attempt to update your drivers’ license. If you changed the gender marker on your drivers’ license before last Tuesday, your records are NOT invalidated or added to a database under this new policy. Stay informed and know your rights: Check out resources from , , and .

In Judaism, an identity change is a holy, meaningful thing, signifying that you’re coming closer to yourself and closer to G-d. In the Torah, we G-d change the names of Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob (Israel) to honor their covenants with G-d and signify who they would go on to be in the world. There is a deep, divine precedent in our tradition for these changes to the markers of identity, and we should fight to see these values reflected in the places where we live.

Image descriptions: Four orange graphics with yellow and black text, containing the text in the caption.

Meet the panelists for TONIGHT'S Pathways to Progress discussion on Back to School with Pride!

Sylvia Miller (she/her) was born in Atlanta and attended the Hebrew Academy of Atlanta and then graduated from Lakeside H.S. She attended Boston University and graduated from Stern College for Women with a Bachelor’s in Judaic Studies and Political Science. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University. She has dedicated the past 30+ years to nurturing Jewish youth as they learn, grow and navigate the evolving world. She is a social worker, teacher, mentor, guide, and parent supporter. Sylvia has dedicated her career and life to empowering children and teens by centering their intrinsic value and uniqueness. Her approach supports families and communities through the ups and downs of life while gently embracing them with love and compassion.

On Wednesday August 28 at 7:30 PM ET, we will be discussing going back to school with an incredible panel of LGBTQ+ parents and educators. You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcOCgqz4rGdEu7DDiUq0YFVXytK4nEEVf

Image descriptions: A photo of Sylvia, wearing a gray sweater and a pink floral scarf, with her hands out in a "jazz hands" pose. Text across the bottom of the photo reads "Meet the panelists!"

Meet the panelists for this week's Pathways to Progress discussion on Back to School with Pride!

PC Ganger (They/Them) is a parent, spouse, and teacher who is proudly q***r, disabled, and Jewish! They are a teacher of the visually impaired for Gwinnett County Public Schools and a faculty sponsor for their high school’s pride club. They are nonbinary and legally blind. They converted to Judaism in 2019 with their wife, Lauren, and they are proud members of Congregation Bet Haverim where PC is now a board member. Their six-year-old daughter, Ada, can usually be found dancing to the music on Friday nights.

On Wednesday August 28 at 7:30 PM ET, we will be discussing going back to school with an incredible panel of LGBTQ+ parents and educators. You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcOCgqz4rGdEu7DDiUq0YFVXytK4nEEVf

Image descriptions: A selfie of PC, who has short blue hair and glasses, with a yellow border on both sides. Text across the bottom of the photo reads "Meet the panelists!"

Meet the panelists for this week's Pathways to Progress panel on Back to School with Pride!

Ari Rosen (they/them) is the director of philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. When Rosen isn’t fighting for change, having recently led an LGBTQ forum for the Greater Houston Jewish community and fundraised for the Federation, they’re raising two children with their partner, Elaine. Rosen also proudly serves on the board of directors for Grace Place, a local nonprofit that supports and empowers youth of all s*xualities and gender identities experiencing homelessness.

Elaine Klein (she/her) is a Science Educator at BSCS Science Learning, where she designs and researches opportunities for equitable, justice-focused science learning that brings together youth, teachers, and scientists. Klein has over 15 years of experience working in science learning environments, ranging from environmental education and after-school contexts to undergraduate Biology classrooms.

On Wednesday August 28 at 7:30 PM ET, we will be discussing going back to school with an incredible panel of LGBTQ+ parents and educators. You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcOCgqz4rGdEu7DDiUq0YFVXytK4nEEVf #/registration

Image description: A photo of Ari and Elaine taking a selfie and smiling at the camera.

Did you know that today is National Dog Day?

SOJOURN is an organization of dog lovers - and our pets are a big part of helping us re-center in joy and love. In celebration of , help us say thank you to the dogs of SOJOURN, or tell us about a pet you're grateful for in the comments!

Pictured are Hades & Athena (SOJOURN human: Rebecca, our Executive Director), Rosie (SOJOURN human: McKenzie, our Special Projects Manager), Trudy (SOJOURN human: Elizabeth, our Board Treasurer), and Dodie & Bruno (SOJOURN Human: Rose, our Communications and Legislative Affairs Coordinator).

This month's You(th) Belong event is Artists in the Afternoon: Writing For Our Lives! It will be held on Saturday August 31, at 250 Williams Street Northwest Atlanta, GA 30303 From 1PM – 5PM. Join us for an afternoon highlighting written and spoken word, music, art, and more.

The LGBTQ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, in concert with a number of partner organizations (including SOJOURN!), have co-created this new program that connects Atlanta’s Youth with the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history, legacy and culture. Hosted at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights quarterly, but also at other locations throughout the city, YOU(th) Belong aligns a broad and diverse collective of organizations committed to providing support and affirmation to LGBTQ+ children, youth, and young adults.

Register for Artists in the Afternoon here! https://prideindex.com/artists-in-the-afternoon-4-writing-for-our/

Shabbat Shalom, SOJOURN community! Make sure you stay hydrated in this late-summer heat - especially if you've got a SOJOURN sticker on your water bottle!

Photo is of Rabbi Chase Foster at Temple Kol Emeth in Atlanta, GA!

This week's goes to the Community Corps, who are supporting SOJOURN in our mental health programming!

Celebrating its first year funding small projects in the Atlanta area, The Community Corps has awarded over $100,000 in its third round of grants to local individuals and organizations. The Community Corps exists to transform the financial legacy of Atlanta’s longstanding Horizons School into support for sustainable, creative work in the Atlanta area.

Community Corps is made up of representatives of former staff, students, and parents of The Horizons School, as well as Atlanta neighbors interested in the development and well-being of their neighborhoods. As TCC Board Member Sally Turnage Gustin writes, "It’s difficult to describe exactly what Horizons was; it needed to be experienced. From its inception, the mission was to empower youth by including them in the big decisions. Students and all staff were on a first name basis, respect was expected in both directions based on inherent value of all humans, and diversity was the rule - not the exception."

We're honored that SOJOURN is seen as an organization that can help continue carrying this ethos out into Atlanta, the South, and the world. Thank you, Community Corps!

We hope you'll join SOJOURN on Wednesday for a virtual panel about going Back to School with Pride!

On August 28 at 7:30 PM ET, we will be discussing going back to school with an incredible panel of LGBTQ+ parents and educators consisting of Sylvia Miller, Ari Rosen, Elaine Klein, and PC Ganger. The conversation will be moderated by SOJOURN Board secretary Harrison Bleiberg.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcOCgqz4rGdEu7DDiUq0YFVXytK4nEEVf #/registration

The Thrive Coalition, which SOJOURN co-runs with Keshet, recently had an op-ed published in Crescent City Jewish News about the anti-trans laws that went into effect in Louisiana on August 1.

As we write in the piece, "The 2024 legislative session hit transgender students in Louisiana particularly hard. As of August 1, it is illegal for teachers to discuss gender identity or s*xual orientation in the classroom with students in grades K-12. Teachers and students are immune from repercussions if they refuse to refer to a trans student by their chosen name or pronouns. School restrooms and changing rooms, as well as prisons and domestic violence shelters, can only be used based on s*x at birth, not someone’s affirmed s*x or gender. This violates our Jewish values of kavod (respect, dignity) and tzedek (justice)."

As a Jewish community, in Louisiana and nationwide, we have a responsibility to act. Stay up to date on legislation affecting trans youth and adults. Vote at the state and local levels for candidates that make LGBTQ+ rights a priority. Create Jewish spaces that provide an affirming, supportive respite for LGBTQ+ youth who may not have that environment in school. Join Jewish and interfaith coalitions to oppose new anti-LGBTQ+ state-level legislation when the 2025 legislative session begins."

Read the full piece here: https://www.crescentcityjewishnews.com/op-ed-jewish-tradition-gives-us-insights-on-how-to-respond-to-anti-transgender-legislation/.

OP-ED: Jewish tradition gives us insights on how to respond to anti-transgender legislation - Crescent City Jewish News OP-ED: Jewish tradition gives us insights on how to respond to anti-transgender legislation By LANIE COHEN and ROSE KANTORCZYK A package of anti-trans bills affecting public schools went into effect in Louisiana on August 1. As leaders of Thrive, a coalition of 255 Jewish organizations, we are conce...

After just experiencing a sabbatical, we thoroughly endorse it for every professional and their organization. DEFINITELY check and see if this is for you!

Sabbaticals — R&R: The rest of our lives Sabbatical Granting 2024 Sabbatical Grant Application now open! Apply Here by Sept. 27 Access PDF copy of application here Our vision is that we will continue to demonstrate the power of sabbaticals in the Jewish non-profit sector, helping to give diverse leaders time away from work. Leaders will ha...

Today is Tu B'Av, the Jewish holiday of love! Q***r Jewish love is beautiful in all of its forms - and especially when it comes in the form of these wonderful couples in the SOJOURN community. Happy Tu B'Av - we hope you get to celebrate with someone you love today! ❤️‍🔥

Check out this upcoming programming from some of our Atlanta partners!

This month's You(th) Belong event is Artists in the Afternoon: Writing For Our Lives! It will be held on Saturday August 31, at 250 Williams Street Northwest Atlanta, GA 30303 From 1PM – 5PM. Join us for an afternoon highlighting written and spoken word, music, art, and more. The LGBTQ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, in concert with a number of partner organizations (including SOJOURN!), have co-created this new program that connects Atlanta’s Youth with the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history, legacy and culture. Hosted at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights quarterly, but also at other locations throughout the city, YOU(th) Belong aligns a broad and diverse collective of organizations committed to providing support and affirmation to LGBTQ+ children, youth, and young adults. Register for Artists in the Afternoon here: https://prideindex.com/artists-in-the-afternoon-4-writing-for-our/

Join our friends at Jewish Fertility Foundation Atlanta for an intimate, informative, and enjoyable follow up to February’s Pathways to Parenthood for the LGBTQ+ Community launch event! Rabbi Malka Packer-Monroe, therapist Kaitlyn McLaughlin, and reproductive attorney Lynn Goldman will be available to talk about their crucial roles in helping LGBTQ+ folks build a family. The event’s mini-session format will permit attendees to ask questions of each panelist and build rapport with other attendees, in order to help you gain momentum on your pathway to parenthood. So mark your calendars for August 29, grab a seat, enjoy some refreshments on us, and let us walk you through your journey to building a family. This is a FREE event but RSVP is required here: https://jewishfertilityfoundation.org/p2p2/