Enough Talk – Let’s Talk

Our tradition prohibits sexual relations between two men. But no verse condemns homosexual individuals themselves – individuals who do exist in our community, both in Yeshiva and in the Orthodox Jewish world.

The first step is recognizing that there are in fact gay people in the arbah amot of YU.  But this recognition itself is not enough. It must serve as the beginning of a crucial process: acceptance.

Yet standing in the way of this needed acceptance is an attitude of fear and closed mindedness; fear of those who are perceived as different from the “typical” YU student, and close mindedness stemming from the apprehension of change.

Sadly, many use religion as a refuge for their intolerance.  Hiding behind the supposed tenet that the Torah forbids “being gay” is an immature retreat into a cave of narrow-minded ignorance.  Even a newcomer to the Torah will have no difficulty finding an abundance of verses and other traditional sources that actively promote kavod habriyot, acceptance, and equal treatment of all people.

While we empathize with those who have yet another yetzer hara to battle, we do not support individuals who choose to violate halakhic prohibitions..  Thus, the suggestion raised by an Opinions piece in the previous issue of The Commentator - that YU should begin a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) on the Yeshiva undergraduate campuses - would not be fitting for an institution that prides itself on Torah ideals, as GSA’s condone homosexual behavior.

But there is still a possible solution.  As mature undergraduate students, we have the prerequisite tools necessary for intelligent and informed discussion.  So let’s have one.

Within the first two weeks of the spring semester, there must be an event focused on acceptance.  Before the influx of papers and the whirlwind of midterms, members of our community must gather together to engage in discourse, to hear from professionals and experts, but, most importantly, to listen to our peers.

Let us garner the courage to initiate this process.  Let us talk about the topics that will help foster understanding throughout our campus: How does halakha view homosexuality?  What are current psychological opinions?  And how can we reach out to those who desperately await a welcoming smile?

We, however, need your help to make this a reality.  Interested individuals – whether you are a student council president or a first-time-on-campus freshman – must summon the strength and contact The Commentator within the next two weeks.  With an announcement and detailed coverage in the next issue of The Commentator, we will help begin the formal, public discussion at Yeshiva about homosexuality in our community.

The time for conversation is now.  Dialogue is long overdue.

Individuals interested in helping with, hosting, or sponsoring the proposed event – students, club leaders, student government officials, and other members of the Yeshiva community – are encouraged to contact The Commentator at yustudentscare@gmail.com