On October 6, 1975, members of the LGBTQ communty gathered in a private home in Tel Aviv. They decided that after years of living in fear and in hiding under threat of imprisonment or violence, it was time to band the various groups together and establish an association to promote a safe space for all members of the LGBTQ communi- ty in Israel.
Since that historic meeting, political action has led to a repeal of the legal prohibition of homosexual relations in the criminal code in 1988, as well as increased awareness of HIV and the fight against stigmas that surrounded it since the 1980’s. LGBTQ pride events that began in Shenkin Park in Tel Aviv in 1993 currently take place in dozens of cities in Israel with tens of thousands parading in Jerusalem and hundreds of thousands in Tel Aviv; Dana International’s win at the 1998 Eurovision song contest brought attention to the transgender community. Social protests promoting gender equality and acceptance of others and opposing discrimination in adoption laws, surrogacy, parental rights, labor laws and marriage registration have brought about many legal victories in the Israeli High Court of Justice. All of these, as well as the fight against LBGTQ-phobia in general, have contributed to the LGBTQ community attaining its rightful place in Israeli society, of which it has become an integral part.
The establishment of some seventy local LGBTQ communities and the presence of LGBTQ people in the public arena from Tel Hai in the north to Eilat in the south, combined with continuous social action by hundreds of determined, brave and inspiring figures over the last 50 years have propelled community members from the shadows into the mainstream of Israeli society. Today, the community has dozens of organizations that collaborate to promote various needs and sectors.
These organizations, as well as the huge contribu- tion of the community in diverse fields including culture, art, nightlife, academic research, the military, local and national politics and more have brought about ever-increasing acceptance among Israelis, who for the most part now support equality for the LGBTQ community.
Members of the entire LGBTQ community, Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, are part of Israel’s social fabric. This diverse community will continue its social battle until equality, security and welfare are achieved in all realms of life.
Ran Shalhavi
CEO
The Aguda – The Association for LGBTQ Equality
in Israel
