Jewish Journal
Rebekah Blume
http://www.jewishjournal.com/los_angeles/article/lgbt_jews_take_pride_in_inclusiveness_20120613/Before he told members of his family, Nathan Looney told members of his synagogue, Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC), that he was transitioning from female to male. He says the encouragement he received is typical for members of this Pico Boulevard congregation.
"I see my family once in a while, but I see the people here once a week, sometimes more," said Looney, who added that the synagogue gave him "perfect support."
Looney was among more than 100 participants who attended Pride Shabbat at BCC, a Friday night kickoff to a weekend of activities celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
Marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a watershed moment in the LGBT rights movement, Pride festivities in Los Angeles included parties, a lesbian-led march, a festival and a Sunday afternoon parade along Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. In a year that has seen the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and President Barack Obama becoming the first president to support same-sex marriage, the LGBT communities had much to celebrate.
