Some free-written thoughts on questions I have regarding gender and sexuality in Judaism:
The other day I was driving with a friend of mine and we passed a few Jewish families walking to/from shul (it was a Saturday). Judging by the way they were dressed they seemed to be Orthodox. I pointed out the wigs that the women used as hair covers and my friend asked me about them, which led me to question what I do and do not know or understand about Tznius and its various rules. This typically leads me to similar questions about the roles and rights of women in particularly Orthodox communities, with regards to things like mechitzahs and participation in services.
I know very little about Jewish ideas and beliefs in regards to LGBT issues. I am curious to understand the place of people who identify with the LGBT community in Jewish scripture and beliefs, as well as in practice. For example, what affect does a same-sex marriage have on the traditional Jewish marriage rituals? Where do non-binary people fit into Jewish rituals that were traditional divided by gender? What do the Hebrew Bible and Rabbinical Commentary have to say on LGBT issues, and what are some of the modern interpretations? And on the topic of Rabbinical Commentary, how do we make a space for voices that were not previously heard, such as those of women in Jewish communities?
