Contested Solidarities: Queer and Trans Anti-Zionist Activism in Israel

ABOUT

This workshop examines the trajectory of queer and trans anti-Zionist activism within Israel, exploring how activists have engaged with questions of Palestinian liberation, Israeli militarism, and the intersections of sexual and national politics. Participants will explore the development of this activism from its emergence through contemporary movements, and analyzing key debates around the occupation and genocide, pinkwashing, homonationalism, and solidarity politics.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify key groups, events, and ideological turning points in the development of queer and trans anti-Zionist activism in Israel.
Analyze how queer and trans anti-Zionist activists have critiqued pinkwashing discourse and articulated connections between LGBTQ+ liberation and Palestinian solidarity.
Evaluate the strategies and coalition-building approaches used by queer and trans anti-Zionist groups in Israel, including their responses to state repression and tensions within broader social movements.

Omer Elad (they)

Meet the Presenter:

Omer Elad, a social worker (MSW) and a lifelong activist, is the CEO of the Gila Project for Trans Empowerment (AKA Trans for Social Justice), an Israeli NGO that acts to improve the lives of trans community members through individual power, community building, and advocacy. Gila Project is rooted in justice and intersectionality, and is the only Israeli LGBTQ+ organization that has consistently stood in solidarity with Palestine.

Rave Reviews from Previous Conferences

I learned more from this conference than I did from most of my grad school classes. As a queer nonbinary provider working with primarily queer and gender nonconforming folks, it is so important to hear from others who share these identities in how to best support and affirm my clients. I also really appreciated the letter writing training as it has allowed me to help so many clients access affirming care. I look forward to attending this upcoming year and continuing to listen and learn!

Every presenter was amazing and brought a wealth of information and experience to each session. I continue to use what I learned in the conference and in Van’s other trainings as a jumping off point to do my own self work and to better support my clients and the community. I've gotten so much out of previous conferences and I can't wait to attend this year's!

Attending this conference was a game-changer for me. It took me from being informed to embracing an affirming lens and practice, and I couldn't be more grateful for the experience. If you're looking to level up your understanding and support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, trust me, the Do Something Identity(ies) conference is where it's at. You won't regret it!

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and addiction specialist, I was blown away by the quality of content and selection offered during the conference. The robust selection of top-notch presenters was impressive and the topics covered a wide array of timely and relevant material. I would strongly encourage anyone working in any helping profession to attend this conference if at all possible. It is exactly this kind of content and presentation that is needed in order for us to heal ourselves and those around us.