despicably emblazoned with Camp Auschwitz, my Jewishness stirred.Anti-Semitism is as Jewish an experience as lighting the Hanukkah menorah or observing Shabbat.
In so many ways being Jewish is similar to being LGBTQ+ in that we as a people are always at the ready for the next attempted oppression, the next assault.
My ability to live proudly as a gay man was shaped by growing up Jewish. I was trained early not to diminish myself, to rejoice in the blessing of being Jewish while always having to be on alert.
With this resolve, I pivoted to use those same tools of pride for my gayness.The Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities have so much in common.