ABSTRACT
LGBTQ Orthodox Jews are coming out of their closets. Trembling was seen by millions of Jews and non-Jews around the world. The film portrayed the conflicting desires of frum gay men and lesbians attempting to reconcile devotion to cherished traditions with a modern gay identity. Much has changed since the author's early involvement with the frum LGBTQ community. At that time, Rabbis routinely referred congregants to conversion therapists to “cure” homosexuality. Eventually, rabbis, as they do in other life situations, were asked to approach issues of sexual orientation and gender identity with the knowledge of modern science. They were asked to heed the counsel of mental health organizations warning of the harm of conversion “treatments”. On the subject of reparative therapy, it is our view that, as Rabbis, we can neither endorse nor reject any therapy or method that is intended to assist those who are struggling with same-sex attraction.
