(Jewish Group) 'Mom, I think I'm gay': 4 young Orthodox Jews share their coming out stories

[Behind the Aegis]

Queer students at Yeshiva University, Modern Orthodoxy’s flagship institution of higher education, often describe it as an uncomfortable place. Many say they have heard homophobic slurs on its campus in upper Manhattan. And the university has long denied recognition to the Pride Alliance, an LGBTQ student group, prompting members and alumni to file a lawsuit last year alleging discrimination..

On Monday, a state Supreme Court judge ruled that YU — which is officially nonsectarian and receives public funding — had violated New York City’s human rights law by refusing to give the Pride Alliance the rights and privileges afforded to other student organizations.

Queer students are celebrating the decision, which came in the last week of Pride Month, and hoping it will embolden more of their classmates to come out. Here are four coming-out stories, from two current YU students and two recent graduates, lightly edited for clarity and length. Three of the authors contributed on the condition they not be fully identified, for fear of repercussions in their families and communities.

Manny, 21, Class of 2025, Major: undecided

I didn’t come to terms with my sexuality until a week before this most recent Purim. I’ve known I was attracted to guys since middle school, growing up in New Jersey, but I never considered myself gay because in my mind, coming out was not an option. I love living the life of an Orthodox Jew, and I believed that I would have to give that up if I wanted to accept my gay identity.

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I see a t-shirt my husband would like.