Jewish-American Youth Organization Affirms Gender Inclusivity

BBYO, a pluralistic Jewish American youth group, affirmed in a motion that it is fully inclusive of its members regardless of gender.

The motion was passed Friday by BBYO’s leadership fraternity and sorority at the group’s International August Executives Conference, according to a press release.

“Young people who genuinely identify as Jewish – male, female or gender neutral – are given full eligibility to join and afforded full status as members of the Grand Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and the International Order of the B’nai B’rith Girls in any matter, business or forum,” the motion read, referring to the fraternity and sorority, respectively.

BBYO CEO Matthew Grossman said the group was founded to create a space for Jewish students excluded from other groups, and that this motion continues that tradition of acceptance.

“BBYO members have stood up for each other and the entire Jewish community for more than 90 years,” he said. “This motion is a testament to BBYO’s commitment to inclusivity and just one example of how BBYO is a welcoming place for every Jewish teen.”