Thank you for wanting to learn more about Jewish Buffalo’s Queen Esther Pride float!
Queen Esther is a pivotal Jewish figure that is honored by both the Book of Esther and the holiday of Purim. Traditionally, Purim is a holiday where we dress in costume and men can be found dressing as women. In recent years Purim has been looked to as a Jewish coming out day for LGBTQ+ members of the community. (See HERE and HERE).
We believe Queen Esther would have revealed in her recognition as an LGBTQ+ icon, and be a great ally and advocate to the community! Jewish Buffalo looks to Esther as a role model. As such, we seek to create safe spaces for people inside and outside our faith community to be their authentic self, and recognize that we are all b’tzelem Elohim, בְּצֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים, or “made in G-d’s image.
Upcoming Pride Events
Pride Meetup
May 24 | 7 pm
Spotted Octopus Brewing Company
41 Edward St, Buffalo 14202
Join members of the LGBTQ+ Community and allies to celebrate Pride at this pay your own way event.
Drag Queen Bingo
May 31 | 7 pm
The Meadows Room
Weinberg Campus
2700 North Forest Rd, Getzville 14068
Hosted by Jayme Coxx and Company
This is not your grandmother’s bingo! Join us for an adult only gender bending hysterical bingo game.
Bingo cards are $5 and all proceeds will support trans youth in Buffalo.
Drag Queen Story Time
Sunday, June 4 | 8:30 – 10 AM
Benderson JCC
2640 North Forest Rd, Getzville 14068
It’s just what it sounds like! Storytellers using the art of drag to read books and leading crafts for kids! This program is in partnership with PJ Library and recommended for children ages 3 and up.
Join us for RAINBOW BAGELS 8:30 – 9 am.
Story time will run 9 – 10 am.
March with Us or Watch the Pride Parade
Sunday, June 4 | Parade begins at 11 AM
Marches down Elmwood Ave (Forest Ave to Allen St).
Jewish Buffalo will be represented in the Pride Parade with an incredible float featuring Queen Esther! If you’d like to march with us, please contact Mike for the meet up location and time.
Are you interested in watching the parade and not sure where to go and who to sit with? Reach out to Mike.
Purchase a Jewish Pride shirt to wear at the parade. All proceeds support trans youth in Buffalo.
Enjoy Buffalo PRIDE 2023!
Made possible through the partnership of the Buffalo Jewish Federation, JCC of Buffalo, Jewish Family Services of WNY, Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, Temple Beth Zion, Temple Beth Tzedek, Congregation Shir Shalom, Hillel of Buffalo, Congregation Beth Abraham, and Congregation Havurah
For more information about Jewish Buffalo, contact Mike Steklof.