Show notes
In January 2023 Michael Barnett was awarded an Order of Australia “for service to the LGBTQI community.” He has been advocating for unconditional inclusion, acceptance and celebration of LGBTIQ+ people and families in (and beyond) the Jewish community. Michael continues to dedicate every day to breaking down barriers, making the world a safer space, and helping keep Melbourne’s Jewish community one of the most amazing places to be “here and queer”.Michael talks to us about Aleph Melbourne and how it started in 1995 (2:20); making being queer a conversation topic within the Jewish community (7:30); how Melbourne’s Jewish community is one of the best multicultural/multifaith communities to be LGBTIQ (13:55); what the LGBTIQ community can do to foster acceptance (17:35); the 2019 apology from the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the power of an apology (21:55); why be part of a community group? (27:48); the inspiration of Rabbi Mike Moskowitz, LGBTIQ ally (29:54); weaving a narrative to combine being both Jewish and LGBTIQ (31:00); overcoming barriers to stopping LGBTIQ participating in community (37:02); favourite food as recalling fond memories (39:40); his favourite music and travel adventures (43:35).This interview was pre-recorded before the events of 7 October 2023.ALEPH Melbourne Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Intersexwww.aleph.org.au