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Queer Sessions @ JIFF 2024

Jewish International Film Festival 2024
October 27 – December 22, 2023

Full programme here.

Sabbath Queen

Australian Premiere

“Awe-inspiring. Enthralling. Sabbath Queen is a rich and intimate portrait… One of the best films I’ve seen this year.” – The Hollywood Report

“An unforgettable protagonist… transformative… incredibly timely…one to watch for awards season.” – Hammer to Nail

Filmed over 21 years, Sabbath Queen follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s epic journey as the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis, including the Chief Rabbis of Israel.

He is torn between rejecting and embracing his destiny and becomes a drag-queen rebel, a queer father, and the founder of Lab/Shul: an everybody-friendly, God-optional, artist-driven, pop-up experimental congregation.

Sabbath Queen joins Amichai on a lifelong quest to creatively and radically reinvent religion and ritual, challenge patriarchy and supremacy, champion interfaith love, and stand up for peace. The film interrogates what Jewish survival means in a difficult and rapidly changing 21st century.

Festivals and Awards
Official Selection – Tribeca Film Festival, 2024
Official Selection – IDFA, 2024

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Australian Premiere

At the height of the Civil Rights movement in the mid-1960s, teenage Jewish singer-songwriter Janis Ian pens a hit song about an interracial relationship. The song – Society’s Child – launches her illustrious career, but also ignites controversy.

Plunging into an emotional tailspin, she emerges from the ashes with an even bigger hit (“At Seventeen”) about body shaming. For the next six decades, Janis overcomes homophobia, music industry misogyny, and a life-threatening illness to produce an indelible body of work that continues to resonate around the globe.

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence chronicles the singer’s epic life journey from her childhood on a chicken farm in New Jersey through the release of the disruptive album ‘Breaking Silence’. With access to Ian’s incredible body of music, her vast archive, family, friends, and famed collaborators, this in-depth documentary tells the singer’s intimate life story against a sweeping historical context.

Festivals and Awards
Official Selection – DOC NYC, 2024

Diane Warren: Relentless

Australian Premiere

“A loving ode to a true original” – IndieWire

She’s the most successful songwriter you’ve probably never heard of. Diane Warren has written mega-hits for the world’s biggest pop stars including Cher, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears and Beyoncé. She has 15 Oscar nominations for her indelible film songs, including “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” performed by Aerosmith for Armageddon.

This bold documentary that screened at reveals the prolific artist behind these hits. Born to humble beginnings in Van Nuys to a middle-class Jewish family, Diane was an outsider at home and in school. The third daughter to older parents (her sisters were already 24 and 20), Diane struggled to fit in. Music became her escape. With unrelenting tenacity she pursued pop success, ultimately catapulting herself to the top of the charts.

Known in the industry as a hitmaker, a legend, and a pain in the ass, this unabashed portrait revels in Warren’s signature self-deprecating humour. Featuring interviews with Cher, Gloria Estefan, Quincy Jones, and Toni Braxton, discover the true underdog story of an unseen music titan.

Festivals and Awards
Nominee – Audience Award, SXSW, 2024

TransTrans: Transnational Trans Histories Exhibition at the Victorian Pride Centre: Speech by Gaby Cohen

TransTrans: Transnational Trans Histories Exhibition at the Victorian Pride Centre – 19/09/2024
Speech by Gaby Cohen – Magnus Hirshfeld’s Great Niece

Photo provided by Birgit/Katie

Distinguished guests and all

As you have heard i am the great niece of
Doctor Magnus Hirschfeld.
I am in fact a very proud great niece.

My late father was one of Magnus’s nephews.
His mother jenny was a sister to magnus.

I am here tonight with my husband Leon,
Our son Peter and his wife Judi,
Our daughter Linda
And 5 of our grandchildren.
We have another son Andrew who lives in Sydney with his family but unfortunately he could not be here tonight.

We wish to thank Birgit and Kate and the Pride Committee for inviting us all here tonight to the opening of this important exhibition which we hope will be a great success.

My late father often spoke of Magnus, but we did not realize the extent of what Magnus had achieved during his lifetime until my husband happened to read an advertisement for a film on SBS called the Life Story of Magnus Hirschfeld – the Einstein Of Sex.

After numerous phone calls I was put in touch with Ralf Dose who is head of the Hirschfeld Society in Berlin. We have since met with him in Berlin numerous times and he has provided us with lots of information on Magnus.
We are also in touch with the Bundesstiftung Magnus Hirschfeld which is a government body.

We are very grateful to both of these organisations and all the other historians who are now doing so much research into Magnus’s Teachings, Ideologies and Theories that are as relevant today as they were in the 1920’s and thirties.

We are now extremely proud that Magnus is getting the recognition he so justly deserves, and his name is being honoured so many years after his death.

While in berlin we have visited many of the monuments which have been erected in his honour.

Magnus found a balance between medicine and writing.

He wrote numerous books which were unfortunately destroyed at the Infamous burning of the books outside the Humbold University.

He co-wrote and acted in the first film ever to feature a homosexual character. It was called “Different From The Others”

In 1919 he established the Humanitarian Committee which consisted of Einstein, Tolstoy and other prominent people to try to have Paragraph 175 rescinded from the laws which stated that homosexuality was illegal and many people had been imprisoned for it.

It took until 1994 to be rescinded.

Also, in 1919 Magnus purchased a villa in Berlin naming it “The Institute For Sexual Research” and it provided educational and medical advice for many people who had come from all over Europe to seek help and receive a clearer understanding of their sexuality.

In 1933 when in Paris Magnus saw a newsreel of the destruction of his beloved institute he was devastated.

He had gone on a world tour lecturing and was warned not to return to Berlin as he would be arrested for being both Jewish and gay.

In Paris he again opened a clinic from which a guest list has recently been published with numerous prominent names.

With his health declining Magnus went to live in Nice where he died on May 14th 1935 at the age of 67.

After his death his long-time partner Li Tang who had also fled Berlin in the 1930’s was asked to come to Nice and was given an old suitcase with numerous books and manuscripts written by Magnus.

Following Tang’s death in Canada the suitcase was found in a dumpster which a passer-by spotted.

On opening it he found it was filled with Hirschfeld’s books and manuscripts.

He contacted the Hirschfeld Society and Ralf Dose flew to Canada and brought it back to Berlin.

Its contents are now housed in the library at the society.

Magnus had an extremely difficult life and all he really wanted to do was to help humanity.

His motto “through science to justice” I feel this says it all!

Thank you to all again and we wish the exhibition every success

20240919 Gaby’s Opening Exibition SpeachDownload

Australian Jewish News – September 20 2024 (p23)

Just.Equal MR: Anti-Semitism envoy highlights need for LGBTIQA+ rights commissioner

Media Release
Wednesday July 10th 2024

Anti-Semitism envoy highlights need for LGBTIQA+ rights commissioner

Just.Equal Australia has renewed its call for a national LGBTIQA+ Commissioner following the appointment of Jillian Segal as Australia’s first anti-Semitism envoy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the appointment of Segal is in response to rising hate, will “promote social cohesion” and will be followed by the appointment of an envoy against Islamophobia.

Just.Equal Australia spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“The appointment of envoys against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, highlights the absence of a national official advocating for the LGBTIQA+ community.”

“Rising hate against LGBTIQA+ people demands a response from the federal government in the form of an LGBTIQA+ Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission.”

“The Australian Human Rights Commission has commissioners for first nations, culturally diverse communities, women, older and younger people, people with disability, and for human rights, but no dedicated commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Australians.”

“This sends the message that the human rights of LGBTIQA+ people, and discrimination against us, are less important.”

Mr Croome said the Sex Discrimination Commissioner has an advisor on LGBTIQA+ human rights, but this is not enough to deal with the many challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ people or to send the message that their rights matter.

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

Dr David Zyngier posthumously awarded Order of Australia

Aleph Melbourne heartily acknowledges the admittance of the late Dr David Zyngier as a Member of the Order of Australia in the June 10 King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List.

David Zyngier AM was recognised for significant service to tertiary education, and to the community of Glen Eira.

Of particular note, David was a passionate supporter of Aleph Melbourne and of improving the lives of LGBTIQA+ people.

Despite the poignancy of receiving this award posthumously, the recognition helps provide a way for those who knew and loved David to hold his memory strong in perpetuity.

We will be forever grateful for the support David gave our organisation and LGBTIQA+ people over the years.

Full citation: The late Dr David Zyngier

Aleph Melbourne submission referenced in ALRC final report of inquiry into Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws

In February 2023 Aleph Melbourne lodged a submission with the Australian Law Reform Commission’s enquiry into Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws.

The ALRC released the report into the enquiry in December 2023, and on March 21 2024 the report was tabled in Parliament.

Aleph Melbourne’s submission was referenced on page 91 in the report, in relation to Section 4.23 point 2:

 4.23 In relation to submissions made to the ALRC in this Inquiry, key reasons underpinning stakeholder support for Proposition A.1 were:

  •  coherence with international and domestic law;14
  •  reducing the risk of harm to vulnerable students;15
  •  supporting inclusion and diversity;16 and
  •  compulsory school education is a public good, supported by public funding, so schools should be safe environments for all students, and should be accountable to community expectations.17
ALRC-ADL-Final-Report-142-pp90-91

“Jews of Pride” at 2024 Midsumma Pride March

The “Jews of Pride” contingent came to life again at the 29th Midsumma Pride March on February 4, 2024.

Enjoy this compilation of clips taken from the day showcasing the diversity of Melbourne’s Jewish community, celebrating LGBTIQ+ people and our families.

Facebook: “Jews of Pride” at Pride March (Feb 4 2024)

Jewish News photo sales here (access password: AJNsubscriber18).

Participating organisations:

Supporting (non-participating) organisations:

Jewish community comes together at Midsumma Pride March

In a fantastic show of support from Melbourne’s Jewish community, over 13 community groups and 100+ participants danced their way down the length of Fitzroy Street St Kilda for the Midsumma Pride March.

Following months of planning the day came together without a hitch, not taking into account the 38 degree weather forecast.

The sound system had been boosted with extra speakers, to bring more of our exciting Jewish and Israeli music mix to the street, and the ute was more vibrantly Jewish in appearance.

As with previous years, the crowds cheered us from the sidelines, loving our Jewish solidarity for LGBTIQA+ diversity.

Poignantly, placards of the late David Zyngier were flown especially high to commemorate his participation in the contingent over recent years and his commitment to LGBTIQA+rights.

One long-standing participant of the Jews of Pride contingent told us that being part of the march this year was really important to them and made them even more proud, a sentiment reflected by many others.

We are especially grateful to both Midsumma Festival and Victoria Police LGBTIQA+ Liaison for their assistance in keeping us safe, and to CSG Victoria for their additional assistance.

Photos from the day are available on Facebook and Google Photos.

Colin Krycer OAM & Michael Barnett OAM
“Jews of Pride ” Contingent organisers

‘We are an unstoppable force of unity’ | AJN

‘BE STRONG. BE PROUD. BE THERE.’

‘We are an unstoppable force of unity’

We aren’t alone in this struggle, but our struggle is not a new one, and we know that eternal vigilance is required to fend off the antisemitism.

By MICHAEL BARNETT
February 1, 2024, 9:00 am

The Jews of Pride contingent at the 2023 Pride March. Photo: Peter Haskin

I recently attended the 70th anniversary celebration for Hashomer Hatzair, as a friend of the movement.

It was a fabulous event, full of ritual, tradition, community and celebration. The day was tinged with sadness though, as they announced they were entering a period of hiatus due to leadership uncertainties.

My connection with Hashy is mainly through the “Jews of Pride” contingent at the annual Pride March in St Kilda. Each year they attend dressed in their chultzot, bring their flags, dance like crazy, fill my heart with joy and bring tears of happiness to my eyes. I know they will continue to join us, one way or another.

I left the party at Bet Anielewicz, their home in East St Kilda, just as the Israeli dancing was starting. I wanted to stay on but had to be elsewhere. Od Lo Ahavti Dai started playing.

I took a moment to soak in the music before getting into my car. It did something to me. I was transformed to a time when I was learning Israeli dancing. I don’t remember when, but it was powerful. I felt so connected to my Jewish upbringing by this simple but catchy tune.

Right now, the Jewish community is struggling. We are in a world where we hear the footsteps of less friendly times. Those echoes seem to grow louder by the day and we don’t know if we can be ourselves as easily as we could yesterday.

We aren’t alone in this struggle, but our struggle is not a new one, and we know that eternal vigilance is required to fend off the antisemitism.

Since October 7 I have witnessed a new phenomenon. Many people and organisations familiar to me have been swept up with efforts to support Palestinian people. I can understand this, as the humanitarian response to the destruction in Gaza is sizeable.

What I can’t understand is why many of the same people and organisations have chosen to stay silent on or minimise the terrorism that Israel faced, along with Hamas’ plan to erase Israel.

My LGBTIQA+ community has in parts become increasingly hostile towards Jews and Israel. Yet those who enable this juggernaut claim not to be antisemitic, despite supporting initiatives that are nothing but. This saddens me deeply.

However, through my commitment to my Jewish community I know I can help bring a sense of hope, peace, love and optimism. Sunday, February 4 is when “Jews of Pride” comes to life at Melbourne’s Midsumma Pride March. A raft of new and returning community organisations will coalesce in force to show their support for rainbow diversity, amid a burst of Jewish culture and identity.

We are an unstoppable force of unity that is undeniably and unashamedly Jewish. We convey pride in standing for inclusion and acceptance, and pride in who we are as a people.

Fitzroy Street will resonate with familiar Jewish tunes and Israeli music that calls to a solidarity with our families and friends in Israel. Together with fellow contingent organiser Colin Krycer, we urge you to come along and show your support.

Be strong. Be proud. Be there.

Michael Barnett is co-convenor of Aleph Melbourne.

More info: jewsofpride.org.au