Analyze the Hebrew Bible with a pink lens, and compelling anecdotes allude to queer love in the Kingdom of Judah, part of present-day Jerusalem.
Just look at King David, whose relationship with the warrior Jonathan paints him as bisexual, if not gay. Queer life always has a way of lurking in the shadows. Head to Independence Park for a piece of this clandestine past. The park, a sprawling green space east of King George Street, was a reputed cruising spot for gay men before the advent of dating apps. Same-sex sexual activity was officially decriminalized in , and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is illegal.
While same-sex marriage has yet to be legalized, same-sex couples can marry abroad and have their union recognized by the government. It requires locals to fight for space in public areas. And you learn how to be much more tolerant of differences. While the Orthodox Jewish community might look for kosher certificates at restaurants, non-religious folks use rainbow flags as a certificate of liberalism β and according to Valfer, all the liberal places in Jerusalem are queer-friendly.
On sunny days, order an espresso and join the throngs gabbing at outdoor tables. When winter comes, snuggle inside with a book and a classic Israeli breakfast. Make sure you stop by the bathroom to peep the mural by Brooklyn-based street artist Sara Erenthal, an ex-ultra Orthodox Jew who left home at 17 to avoid an arranged marriage.
Herbivores will love Imbala β a cafe, gallery, and event space that bills itself as feminist, queer, anti-racist, multi-lingual, multi-generational, and vegan.
