Hillel LGBTQ Resource Guide.

The resource guide is designed to help Hillel professionals reach out to and engage the LGBTQ Jewish student population and provides tools for welcoming and working with this growing population. 

"Hillel is opening the doors for all Jewish students, of all sexual orientations and gender identities," says Hillel President Wayne L. Firestone. "The resource guide provides Hillel directors with practical recommendations for welcoming this important population into our Hillels."

The guide includes personal stories by LGBTQ campus Jews, a glossary of terms, suggested language for fostering an inclusive environment as well as Jewish prayers and blessings for LGBTQ students. Designed almost exclusively by Hillel professionals, for Hillel professionals the guide also includes a listing of Queer Identified staff members, LGBTQ campus programs, and Actively Allied staff.

"There exists a common belief that religious groups are not open to the LGBTQ community," says D'ror Chankin-Gould, editor of The Hillel LGBTQ Resource Guide and Senior Jewish Campus Service Corps. (JCSC) Fellow at Columbia/Barnard Hillel. "This guide is helping Hillel break down barriers and cultivate an inclusive, welcoming home for all Jewish students."   

Chankin-Gould says his own experiences as a Gay Jew, both negative and positive, inspired him to make LGBTQ Jewish outreach a priority. Currently, Chankin-Gould leads Gayava, a Jewish LGBTQ alliance, at Columbia University and Barnard College. Chankin-Gould plans to attend rabbinical school next year.