Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg
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Stole Text
Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg
Reform Judaism
Congregation Shir Tikvah
Troy, Michigan
In 1981 when I began rabbinic school, I wasn’t yet out even to myself. I came out during my seminary years but had to keep closeted for fear I would not be ordained were I discovered to be gay. Just a few years after my ordination, the Reform Jewish movement officially opened my alma mater’s doors to gay students, while out LGBT rabbis were officially accepted in Reform Jewish congregations.
My generation has been witness to the greatest revolution of public opinion of all time. From abject rejection and government-sponsored violent subjugation here in American to widespread LBGTQIQ inclusion, our relationships honored, recognized and celebrated, the last 40 years have swept mainstream America into a new era of acceptance and understanding. We have a long way to go, but I am immensely grateful to have lived during this time of transformation. Future generations, thankfully, will be able to take inclusion for granted.
Each of us together and apart has paved the way, simply by living our lives with integrity.
Reform Judaism
Congregation Shir Tikvah
Troy, Michigan
In 1981 when I began rabbinic school, I wasn’t yet out even to myself. I came out during my seminary years but had to keep closeted for fear I would not be ordained were I discovered to be gay. Just a few years after my ordination, the Reform Jewish movement officially opened my alma mater’s doors to gay students, while out LGBT rabbis were officially accepted in Reform Jewish congregations.
My generation has been witness to the greatest revolution of public opinion of all time. From abject rejection and government-sponsored violent subjugation here in American to widespread LBGTQIQ inclusion, our relationships honored, recognized and celebrated, the last 40 years have swept mainstream America into a new era of acceptance and understanding. We have a long way to go, but I am immensely grateful to have lived during this time of transformation. Future generations, thankfully, will be able to take inclusion for granted.
Each of us together and apart has paved the way, simply by living our lives with integrity.
Contribution Story
Archival Record
Stole Number: 1181
Honoree(s): Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg
Donor(s): Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg
Geography: Troy, Michigan (USA)
Faith Tradition: Reform Judaism
Donation Date:
Citation
“Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg,” LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed April 19, 2024, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/1095.