Be'TLV
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| Formation | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Winnipeg, Canada |
President | Leslie Kiesman |
| Website | www.mesibabetlv.com |
Be'TLV is a Winnipeg-based nonprofit organization that supports and empowers Jewish LGBTQ individuals, their friends, family, allies. The group was originally founded in 2017 under the name "Chofshi" through a local community centre, before changing it's name once becoming an independent entity in 2018.
Be'TLV creates spaces for individuals who share the common identities of being LGBTQ and Jewish. The organization firmly believes that LGBTQ Jews should not have to choose between being Jewish and being "Queer". The company states in their mission statement that they believe that diversity and representation matters and that it is important to promote diversity in the LGBTQ community, not only for Jewish individuals, but for all marginalized groups who may not have the same opportunities as their white cisgender counterparts. Throughout the year Be'TLV organizes Nightclub events with a cultural twist, community based events within their local Jewish community, LGBTQ safe religious and cultural event, education and workshops focusing on LGBTQ issues. Additionally, the group provides education and counselling to Jewish organizations to improve LGBTQ inclusive spaces and work environments. Their members have many different views on LGBTQ issues and religion, and all are welcome to share their perspectives and experiences with the group and staff. Be'TLV does not promote a way of life, belief system, or express political viewpoints. The group supports members' self-determination, and provides them with support while they explore their own identities, own beliefs, and make life decisions.
The organization has done considerable charitable work, including raising funds to help victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting and Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.[1]
Be'TLV has marched and performed at Winnipeg Pride since 2018, being the only Jewish organization to facilitate and support artists for the Pride Main stage performances. Participation in pride parades by Jewish organizations has at times been a very contentious issue. Many Jewish organizations prefer not to have their names affiliated with Pride festivities.
Artists such as Priyanka (drag queen), Scarlett BoBo, Roxxxy Andrews, Jade Jolie, Jewish artists such as Lady Sinagaga and Annie B. Frank, and DJ entertainers like Dov the DJ, DJ Moa, Shejay Jaz, DJ Gingerbear, Binho Uckermann, Diego Ramal, Zach Burns, Soren Luka, Ty Jordan, Hugo Jarocki, Ammit Shoor, Juan Manuel, Jontin, Dani Brasil, DJ Christian, Hugo Lima, Sean Crazz, and Phil Romano have performed at Be'TLV's in person or online events.[2]
In April 2019, the organization had their office vandalized with Antisemitic graffiti, as well as several items stolen or vandalized.[3] The owners of the neighbouring restaurant have been accused by the Winnipeg Police Service of the vandalism, committing a hate crime against Be'TLV, and staging a crime scene against their own business in an alleged who insurance fraud scheme. Despite being victims of a hate crime, Be'TLV reported that shortly after the incident they began receiving threats and harassing messages. Many of these messages were identified as being from within the local LGBTQ and Jewish communities.[4] The local Jewish Federation offered support for the family accused of the crime and at one point organized a vigil to raise money to cover damages for the restaurant. No assistance was ever offered to Be'TLV, sparking concerns of continued homophobia in the Winnipeg Jewish community.
References[edit]
- ↑ Kiesman, Les. "Be'TLV". Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Kiesman, Les. "Be'TLV". Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ MacLean, Cameron (Apr 24, 2019). "'We didn't do it,' BerMax Caffé owners insist after police charge them with staging hate crime". Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Beth, Macdonell (April 29, 2019). "'I'm sad': Hurt, threats continue for group in space next to BerMax". Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help)
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