Darkhei Noam FAQs Regarding the LGBTQ+ Community
1. Are LGBTQ+ community members and visitors to DN welcome to participate in davening?
Yes! At DN, we embrace and welcome all members of the LGBTQ+ community. As an inclusive, lay-led community, we adhere to Halachah, which includes gender-specific roles in davening.
2. Are the lifecycle events of our non-straight members recognized and celebrated at DN?
Yes. Many LGBTQ+ members have celebrated engagements, aufrufs, and baby namings at DN.
3. What is the room setup regarding gender?
A mechitza (a division) down the middle of the davening space separates men and women with access to the bima from both sides. Everyone attending services at DN should sit in the section appropriate to their gender identity.
4. Concerning transgender inclusion, how does DN view its transgender community members?
If you identify as a man or a trans man, you can sit in the men's section of the shul, and you are considered a man. Similarly, everyone who identifies as a woman can sit in the women's section of the shul. The Halachic roles of men and women at DN are explained on our websites at dnoam.org/ritual
5. Is gendered language used at DN when someone is called to the Torah for an aliyah?
While our standard language for calling someone to the Torah for an aliyah is based on gender, we are open to using non-gendered language upon request. If you prefer this, please inform the gabbai when you receive an aliyah assignment.
6. Does the DN space have gender-neutral or single-stall restrooms available?
It does. A single-person bathroom is behind the stage, and a multi-stall all-gender bathroom is on the ground floor.