By Kelli Joyce and
John Michael Watkins
W hen looking for a religious student group at UNC, many stu
dents feel overwhelmed by the number of choices available
to them. However, for many LGBTQ-identified students it
may feel as if they have no choices at all. Many avoid religious gather
ings altogether, so as to not risk joining a group that will eventually
reject them. While some students do not feel this to be a loss, others feel
that having a religious community is too integral to live without. Some
campus groups accept their LGBTQ members, but others aren’t as clear
or consistent with their views.
Seekers of an LGBTQ-affirming group in the Jewish community can
find one in UNC Hillel. Hillel takes an LGBTQ-affirming position at
UNC and also on campuses nationwide.Their organization holds this
official stance and has shown its support for Keshet, an organization
dedicated to creating a fully inclusive Jewish community for those
who are LGBTQ-identified. In the wake of the recent suicides, Hillel
responded by publicizing LGBTQ networks and ally information. They
also released a statement saying that Hillel “affirms the dignity of every
human being, that we are all made in the image of G-d, regardless of
sexual orientation, whether Jewish or non-Jewish.”
While the Buddhist Student Association does not have an official
position on homosexuality, they emphasize Buddhism’s support for “all
kinds of love” and confirm their openness to LGBTQ members.
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Fall 2010