PRESS KIT: Rainbow Jews The EXHIBITION

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BRITAIN’S FIRST EVER ARCHIVE of JEWISH LGBT HISTORY LAUNCHED at LSE

On Thursday 06/02/2014, Rainbow Jews launched a ground-breaking exhibition at the London School of Economics as part of LGBT History Month 2014, showcasing Jewish Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History & Heritage in the UK.

Over 200 people from across the community packed the Gallery space, admiring the Rainbow-themed panels, and carefully-selected Jewish LGBT memorabilia displays. Rainbow Jews project manager Surat Knan said: ‘That you are all here tonight despite tube strike and bad weather, shows that you really want to be here – to be part of this legacy.’

Rainbow Jews is a pioneering oral history and archive initiative: Britain’s first ever source of Jewish LGBT history. The exhibition is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to learn about Jewish LGBT history in Britain from the 1950s to the present from the people who shaped it: gay Holocaust survivors, strictly Orthodox lesbians, aspiring transgender rabbis and young LGBT activists.The exhibition will be open throughout February 2014, for LGBT History Month, Monday – Friday, 10am-8pm.

Human Rights defender Peter Tatchell gave a moving opening speech: ‘vitriol of LBGTQ in Russia mirror those of Jews in the 1930s’ ring true’ and ‘Passing on stories is a powerful tool of change.’

The exhibition features a variety of innovative activities including an LGBT History Soho tour with a Jewish twist.Resources will be available both online, in partnering archives and as part of a travelling exhibition.

The opening ceremony at the New Theatre included a film screening with original and never-seen-before oral history footage, as well as speeches by legendary Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, and Prof. Catherine Harper, Dean of Portsmouth University Creative Faculties.Edinburgh Fringe comedy bard Daniel Cainer performed an ad-hoc Rainbow Jews anthem, and Tav Rishon choir gave a rendition of Jewish popular tunes.

Stephen Fry has also lent his support to the event.