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The Sexuality Spectrum
Laura Kruger,
Curator, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum, New York
D
uring the spring of 2011, the New York State legislature
was engaged in the passage of the Marriage Equality
Act. The press and public dialogue were fraught with anger,
angst, and vilification against passage as well as passionate
supplications in favor of the change. Legal recognition of
same-sex relationships already existed in eleven sovereign
nations and civil unions and registered partnerships were rec-
ognized in an additional twenty-one international countries.
Fourteen American state jurisdictions had previously enacted
legislation making same sex marriages legal. Why were so
many journalists, television networks, popular pulpits,
celebrity spokespersons, and political leaders goading the
public and legislators to nullify and protest this humane
and long overdue legal action?
The tenor of the rhetoric became increasingly inflamed,
echoing the worst fears of persecution and discrimination.
Having previously born witness to hatred and depredations
in the name of intolerance of religion, race, nationality, gen-
der, age, and class, a surge of spirited individuals representing
diverse fields, professions, and talents stood forth and gave
positive support to the valiant fighters for justice and
comprehension. Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of
Religion is itself a leader in the field of sexual understanding
with the initiative of our Jeff Herman Resource Center,
Institute for Judaism, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity,
and Kalsman Institute on Judaism and Health on our
Los Angeles campus; our Blaustein Centers for Pastoral
Counseling in New York and Jerusalem; and our Clinical
Pastoral Education Program in Cincinnati. The HUC-JIR
Museum realized that it too could play a role in making a
positive change in public understanding and compassionate
support.
The Sexuality Spectrum
uses the language of fine
art to present, celebrate, and mourn individuals whose lives
were and are jeopardized by discrimination and prejudice.
Fear of the “other” has been a root cause of wars, persecutions,
slavery, and eradication. In defining sexuality as one of the
oppressed categories it is necessary to use the correct defini-
tions. All people have sexuality. The rainbow nuances of
sexuality are often referred to as LGBTQI: Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex. Add to that
Carol Hamoy,
We Are Not All
Anonymous
, 2006
Paper, acrylic gel,
acrylic ink
5’
x 15’
