‘LGBTJews In The Federal City’: Celebrating Queer Jewish History At The Capital Jewish Museum
The Capital Jewish Museum’s upcoming exhibition explores the history of D.C.’s Jewish and queer communities.
As Pride Month approaches under a cloud of renewed attacks on LGBTQ+ rights across the United States, the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., is celebrating with its exhibition, “LGBTJews in the Federal City.” Opening on May 16, 2025, it will showcase the intersection of the city’s Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities.
The exhibition arrives at a critical moment, as legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals aims to undo protections and rights. In this challenging climate, “LGBTJews in the Federal City” stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and contributions of queer Jewish individuals. The exhibition features over 100 artifacts and photographs documenting a century of queer Jewish life in the nation’s capital. Highlights of the program include materials from Bet Mishpachah (D.C.‘s pioneering LGBTQ+-friendly synagogue), memorabilia from Frank Kameny’s historic campaign for LGBTQ+ federal employment rights, and a poignant panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt honoring the Jewish people of D.C. who died during the AIDS pandemic.
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There will also be interactive elements to enrich the experience, such as the Nonbinary Hebrew Project and oral history listening stations, offering deeper insights into personal stories and cultural evolution. Purposely scheduled to coincide with D.C.‘s 50th Capital Pride and the city’s inaugural hosting of World Pride, the exhibition integrates local Jewish history into these significant events.
“This assemblage represents one of the most extensive archives of an LGBTQ+ Jewish congregation in the nation,” a statement issued by the museum says. “Selections from the collection will be on view for the first time.”
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The exhibit showcases important Jewish principles, including tikkun olam (making the world a better place), particularly in the context of supporting LGBTQ+ rights in the military and federal employment. During the AIDS epidemic, principles such as bikur cholim (visiting the ill) and pikuach nefesh (saving lives) were emphasized to urge the Jewish community to care for those in need. The exhibit also revisits teshuvah (repentance), confronting the fact that some members of the Jewish community were silent or disengaged, and now must come to terms with their failure to offer support to all.
In a period when LGBTQ+ rights face renewed scrutiny, “LGBTJews in the Federal City” offers a reminder of the vibrant tapestry created by these intersecting communities, reminding us of their shared histories, struggles, and triumphs. It also invites us to reflect on resilience, and most timely, how art inspires solidarity in the face of adversity.
