TLV Queer-Story: The Politics Between Recognition and Acceptance

Let's uncover the untold history of forgotten and excluded queer characters, their struggles, and the changes in the LGBTQ community in Israel-Palestine. Join us as we examine solidarity, successes and contemporary struggles of the LGBTQ community. We’ll visit historical places and explore important events and changes that have shaped LGBTQ life, with a focus on Tel Aviv and beyond. Our tours will foster learning and discussion about the intersection of LGBTQ struggles with other social justice issues such as nationality, gender, ethnicity, and of course, pinkwashing. All tours will take place in central and southern Tel Aviv. The tours will be held in English.

Join us for the second tour, ‘The Politics Between Recognition and Acceptance’  which will examine the struggles of the LGBTQ community marked by the struggle for recognition and acceptance. We will learn about the establishment of the LGBT association and Klaf, which  marked a divide between liberal and radical LGBTQ activists. The mask parade in '74 and the first pride event in '93 were pivotal moments in the fight for LGBTQ rights in Tel Aviv. The role of drag and the emergence of the Bnot Pesia band also played a significant role in the LGBTQ community's development in Tel Aviv.

In the late 90s, the LGBTQ community in Tel Aviv gained momentum with the emergence of notable figures like Dana International and the Wigstock Riot, which led to the city's first municipal pride parade. Since then, the municipality has maintained a connection with the community, leading to significant progress in LGBTQ rights, within a liberal framework. We will also learn about the concept of pinkwashing, how it emerged and why it is a contentious issue that raises questions about the motives behind promoting Tel Aviv as a "gay-friendly" city.