Twice Blessed 2.0 - 2022 Community Needs Assessment

The first step in the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative was our 2022 Community Needs Assessment, made possible with the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. The purpose of this self-identification survey was to understand the current needs of the Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ community. The Final Report contains: 1) Executive Summary; 2) Final Summary; and 3) Appendix

This report contains the findings from the survey collected between February 2, 2022 to March 27, 2022. In this report, data points from the 2022 survey are also compared to data points from a community needs assessment conducted by JFS in 2004 (click here to view the 2004 assessment).

The survey was distributed widely and garnered 111 responses (doubling the data from 2004). The findings in this survey reflect the needs of Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals, all of whom have different identities and varying relationships with the Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+ community.

Click here to view the FINAL REPORT!

Results from the 2022 survey revealed a need for change on the part of Jewish community organizations, highlighting 13 Calls to Action with each one just as important as the next:

  1. Allocate campaign funding for operational costs of providing year-round Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ programming for all ages and community outreach in both Jewish and LGBTQ2SIA+ communities.

  2. Develop inclusive care services for Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ seniors.

  3. Ensure that senior care home intake adequately assesses the needs of LGBTQ2SIA+ residents.

  4. Hire local Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ agencies/consultants with the expertise in Diversity Equity Inclusion training and partner with them on programming and projects.

  5. Adopt and breathe the concept of "Nothing about us without us".

  6. Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support.

  7. Facilitate an open discussion with rabbis, synagogues and boards to adopt an "open tent" policy regarding intermarriage.

  8. Design and provide funding and support for LGBTQ2SIA+ Jewish youth programming.

  9. Amplify and hire Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ artists, performers, activists, etc.

  10. Clearly state stance on LGBTQ2SIA+ rights and accessibility on organizational websites, newsletters, social media, etc.

  11. Adopt zero-tolerance on homophobic, transphobic, and antisemitic language, teachings, policies, and practices.

  12. Be open to those who have a spectrum of opinion on Israel/Palestine.

  13. Develop an anonymous reporting mechanism to provide feedback without negative repercussions to the Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ community.