Temple Beth Shalom participates in Austin Pride Parade. Courtesy: Amanda Leventhal

By Allison Teegardin

On Saturday, August 12, members from various local congregations took part in the Pride Parade in Austin, Texas. The parade is hosted by the City of Austin and the Austin Pride Foundation. This year marked the 33rd year for the parade.

Free to the public, the Austin Pride Parade is volunteer-run and attracts hundreds of thousands of participants. Congregation Beth Israel’s Sisterhood President Claudia Sanchez serves on the Austin Pride Foundation board. “It was so wonderful to see so many of our Jewish LGBTQ+ community and allies come out to show support and representation,” said Sanchez. “I’m thankful to Temple Beth Shalom for organizing and inviting CBI and Ga’avah to march at Pride. I felt so proud of our part in the parade. So much love and celebration.” Ga’avah is the Jewish LGBTQ+ group at CBI co-founded by Sanchez.

“Celebrating Pride continues to be one of CBI’s biggest joys. Our annual Pride Shabbat provides a creative and meaningful experience for the entire community. Marching in the Pride parade gives us the opportunity to both pray with our feet and share our enthusiasm for the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re grateful to have a thriving Ga’avah group, led by Claudia Sanchez, and we’re grateful to show all of Austin how important it is to attend Pride events and bring Pride to CBI,” said Rabbi Kelly Levy.