2019 Parent Survey and Report

Parents are finding ways to manage, but shuls and schools largely fail LGBTQ+ Jews and their families.

In December 2019, Eshel held its seventh annual retreat for Orthodox parents of LGBT+ children. For the
first time, other close family members were invited to the retreat, as well. Approximately 100 parents
and family members attended from across the country and from a wide range of Orthodox
communities.

The retreat’s theme was “Inside/Outside.” Orthodox parents and relatives of LGBT+ Jews who attended
this retreat shared their experiences with each other, intending to give and/or hoping to receive
strength and support from other parents and the speakers. At the end of the weekend, Eshel
distributed a short, six-question survey. The survey’s purpose was twofold: 1) to learn about their family
dynamics and how LGBT+ children affect how they parent; 2) to explore their perceptions of how their
institutions, shuls and day schools are (or are not) educating community members about the LGBT+ Jews
in their midst.

Read the full report: 2019 Eshel Parent Survey