Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association
Encyclopedia
The Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association , known commonly as the Aguda , is a national non-profit organization in Israel
working on the grass-roots level to help advance the rights of gay
, lesbian
, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT
) people.
It was founded in 1975. The chairman is currently Mike Hamel. It has branches in Tel Aviv
, Be'er Sheva, Kiryat Shmona
, and Eilat.
The organization was originally named the Society for the Protection of Personal Rights . In 1988, following the repeal of anti-sodomy laws in Israel, the phrase "for Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals in Israel" was added to the name. In 1995, the name changed to "The Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals in Israel". The term "Transgendered" was added to the name in 1999.
in 1975 by a group of 11 gay men and one lesbian.
They held the first pride parade in Kings of Israel Square
.
The Aguda also runs youth groups for LGBT youth, among them are Hamon Aliza, which is aimed at lesbians, and Tzahal Bet, which is aimed at those between 18 and 22.
Since 2006, Israeli citizens who are exempt from military service in the Israel Defense Forces
can volunteer in the Aguda as a form of national service
.
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
working on the grass-roots level to help advance the rights of gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
, lesbian
Lesbian
Lesbian is a term most widely used in the English language to describe sexual and romantic desire between females. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who are characterized by others as having the primary attribute of female homosexuality, or as an...
, bisexual, and transgender
Transgender
Transgender is a general term applied to a variety of individuals, behaviors, and groups involving tendencies to vary from culturally conventional gender roles....
(LGBT
LGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
) people.
It was founded in 1975. The chairman is currently Mike Hamel. It has branches in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
, Be'er Sheva, Kiryat Shmona
Kiryat Shmona
Kiryat Shmona is a city located in the North District of Israel on the western slopes of the Hula Valley on the Lebanese border. The city was named for the eight people, including Joseph Trumpeldor, who died in 1920 defending Tel Hai....
, and Eilat.
Organization name
"The Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association" and "The Aguda" are the organization's official English names. The name is also sometimes translated as variations of "The Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered in Israel", which is a more literal translation and the Aguda is sometimes spelled as Agudah, depending on how it is transliterated from Hebrew. The organization is known commonly as the Aguda . "The Aguda" means "the Association" and is a common term used to describe many Israeli and Jewish organizations. The organization name is also abbreviated as "The Israeli GLBT Association" .The organization was originally named the Society for the Protection of Personal Rights . In 1988, following the repeal of anti-sodomy laws in Israel, the phrase "for Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals in Israel" was added to the name. In 1995, the name changed to "The Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals in Israel". The term "Transgendered" was added to the name in 1999.
History
The Israeli GLBT Association was founded in Tel AvivTel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
in 1975 by a group of 11 gay men and one lesbian.
They held the first pride parade in Kings of Israel Square
Rabin Square
Rabin Square , formerly Kings of Israel Square , is the largest open public city square in central Tel Aviv, Israel. Over the years it has been the site of numerous political rallies, parades, and other public events...
.
The Aguda also runs youth groups for LGBT youth, among them are Hamon Aliza, which is aimed at lesbians, and Tzahal Bet, which is aimed at those between 18 and 22.
Since 2006, Israeli citizens who are exempt from military service in the Israel Defense Forces
Israel Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
can volunteer in the Aguda as a form of national service
Sherut Leumi
Sherut Leumi is an alternative voluntary national service in Israel for those that cannot or do not wish to serve in the Israel Defense Forces...
.
See also
- 2009 Tel Aviv gay centre shooting spree
- LGBT rights in Israel
- Israel Gay Youth (IGY)
- Jerusalem Open HouseJerusalem Open HouseThe Jerusalem Open House Pride and Tolerance is a grassroots, activist organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and their allies...
- TehilaTehilaTehila is a mutual support group in Israel for parents of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The organizations activities include operating support groups, telephone help lines, and a website, as well as publishing and distributing supportive information.The organization is based...