But beyond the specifics of what it’s like to be queer in Israel, let’s not lose sight of what’s important: that basic human rights are queer rights. One cannot exercise LGBTQIA+ rights if, like Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, they have no rights or freedoms at all. It’s time to recognise the crisis as a humanitarian issue that intersects with our collective struggle to resist patriarchal, racist systems of oppression. “Queer people should stand for a free Palestine, not because there are LGBTQIA+ people living there, but because the roots of our oppressions are the same,” Elliott says.
“States use the othering of people, including homophobia, transphobia and racism to keep their power. The Israeli state is dehumanising the Palestinian people to justify their colonisation,” they continue. “Queer people across the world and throughout history fight and have fought against colonialism and state violence over and over again. We can’t just stand by when those same powers are destroying others.”
If you’re wondering what you can do to support Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and advocate for an immediate ceasefire, you can read our guide here. Whatever action, whether sharing an infographic to your Instagram Story or donating to a fundraiser, is a step in the right direction.
As Elliott reminds us, your voice matters and it’s needed, now. “The Israeli state hopes the rest of the world will stand by while they eradicate Palestine. We won’t.”