Cartwheels for Civil Rights

By Natasha Mayer

Last Tuesday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending (by Zoom, of course!) a live drag show with my very favorite New York Jewish drag queen, Miz Cracker. There was comedy, dance, high-heeled cartwheels, and civil rights. 

Hosted by JWFNY partner Keshet (headed by Collective member Idit Klein) and Human Rights Campaign, Kvetch and Kvell for the Equality Act: Call your Senators! was both a celebration of queer Judaism and a call to action. As LGBTQ rights are being threatened yet again, the Equality Act would amend the federal Civil Rights Act to include protections for LGBTQ people. Faith voices sometimes speak out against LGBTQ rights and protections, and as Jewish people, we feel an obligation to advocate for all communities to receive rights and protections, not in spite of our Jewish faith, but because of our Jewish values. All people deserve dignity, respect, and freedom, and as Jews, we stand up for everyone. 

In between energetic dance numbers, Miz Cracker shared anecdotes about her life as a queer Jew. She left a deeply personal message for Senator Chuck Schumer and walked the dozens of people in attendance through the steps to call their own senators.

If you want to encourage your senators to support the Equality Act, Keshet has put together an online tool to help you email, tweet, and call your senators. They’ve thoughtfully included talking points as well as contact information for your elected representatives. You can also request a pack of stamped postcards to mail your senators. Click here to take action!