Education for Pride and Tolerance in Multicultural Societies

Pride House, Wed 2 Aug 11:00 AM–12:30 PM

Education for pride and tolerance in multicultural society’s moderated by Ambassador Ziv Nevo-Kulman (Ambassador of Israel to Sweden) together with guests – Israel’s LGBT pioneers from the Jerusalem Open House.

Jerusalem Open House (JOH) is an Israeli LGBT rights organization that received QX Honorary Award at the QX Gala in Stockholm 2004. The award was presented to Jerusalem Open House for their work on LGBT issues, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, in one of the most symbolically important cities in the world.

Gather with us to acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance . This organization operates with great courage in a city deeply rooted in conservative values, where the practice of conversion therapy unfortunately still persists. In an environment marked by conservatism and lack of acceptance, a tragic incident unfolded during the Jerusalem March in 2015, resulting in the tragic murder of 16-year-old Shira Banki, by a Jewish extremist.

Despite the challenges posed by this environment, the JOH remains resolute in their mission to create an inclusive and understanding space. They actively work to counteract the harmful practices of conversion therapy, advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The historical prevalence of conversion therapy in Jerusalem only emphasizes the urgency of the JOH's mission. Rather than promoting discrimination, they strive to foster love, self-acceptance, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender expression.

The JOH is acutely aware of the inherent conflicts faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within conservative communities. Through their educational programs, they provide vital support, information, and resources to help individuals navigate these internal struggles, all while honoring and celebrating their cultural and religious identities. By facilitating safe spaces for dialogue and understanding, they seek to bridge divides and promote a more tolerant society.

We invite you to join us in this enlightening panel discussion, where we can listen to and support the Jerusalem Open House in their crucial work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. Our guests from Jerusalem will be joined by David Persson from Järvafältet, who is active in LBGT education and will share his remarks on differences and similarities in Swedish society.