This past December YU hosted a symposium about life in the orthodox world for gay observant Jews. The symposium was the first of its kind for the university and the brainchild of YU’s “Tolerance Club”. From all accounts, the hall was filled to its capacity; many were not allowed in due to safety concerns. Four frum “outed” guys told their stories, and there was a question answer session afterwards.
When I caught wind of this event I was excited and intrigued. Like any orthodox Jew, I believe that the act of homosexuality is forbidden- according to what is written in the Torah*. However, there are no prohibitions on a person’s feelings. After reading the transcripts from the event, I had a long conversation with a friend of mine, here in Israel on winter break and studying at Ohr Sameach Yeshiva, a known black-hat yeshiva.
All this happened about three weeks ago, and I had since “moved on to greener pastures” (mainly, the seminary’s annual Eilat trip). This friend of mine, we’ll call him John, came to spend shabbos at my house. He told me in passing, that he thought of me this week, because Ohr Sameach was hosting an event- “Negative Reprecussions of the YU Gay Symposium” (or something along those lines).
Well, there went my restful shabbos. I was appalled. Here we have one of the leading orthodox institutions opening the floor for dialogue to one of the most complex phenomena in Judaism and Ohr Sameach decides that it is a negative move.
My question is: how? How is talking about homosexuality in the orthodox community negative? It exists, and causes a lot of heartache- you have religious boys who want to lead observant lives, and one of the fundamental aspects of their lives -finding a partner- is forbidden.
I applaud YU for taking a step and beginning a dialogue. Ignoring the issue won’t help. These people deserve to have their voices heard. There aren’t easy answers, but there never are when it comes to Torah and halacha.
* I’m sorry if this opinion insults anyone; that is not my intention.
link to the transcript of the Symposium:
http://curiousjew.blogspot.com/2009/12/being-gay-in-orthodox-world.html
