Temple David celebrates Perth Pride

Temple David took part in the Perth Pride Parade for the first time in November 2023, with a small contingent including members, parents and allies of the Jewish LGBTQI+ community. This year’s parade theme was “Be brave, be strong, be you”, and it was a great opportunity to publicly affirm that no-one should be forced to hide their gender identity or sexual orientation, or their religion, in order to feel welcome in our community. The group carried a hand-made patchwork banner depicting the Jewish version of the progressive/inclusive pride flag. Like our community, it shows that no matter what our individual differences might be, when we come together we make something truly beautiful. Despite some apprehension about how the public might react to a Jewish group in the current circumstances, we were met with cheers and applause from almost everyone lining the route. The parade was the culminating event in Temple David’s inaugural Pride Shabbat, and plans are already underway for an even bigger and better event next year.