| Founded | 1975, Tel Aviv, Israel |
|---|---|
| Area served | Israel |
| Focus | Gay-rights |
| Website | www.glbt.org.il |
The Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association (Hebrew: אגודת ההומואים, הלסביות, הביסקסואלים והטראנסקסואלים בישראל, Agudat HaHomoseksualim, HaLesbiyut, HaBiseksualim, VeHaTranseksualim BeYisrael, "The Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered in Israel"), known commonly as the Aguda (Hebrew: האגודה, HaAguda, meaning "the association"), is a national non-profit organization in Israel working on the grass-roots level to help advance the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
It was founded in 1975. The chairman is currently Mike Hamel. It has branches in Tel Aviv, Be'er Sheva, Kiryat Shmona, and Eilat.
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"The Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association" and "The Aguda" are the organization's official English names. The name is also sometimes translated as variations of "The Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered in Israel",[1] which is a more literal translation and the Aguda is sometimes spelled as Agudah, depending on how it is transliterated from Hebrew.[1] The organization is known commonly as the Aguda (Hebrew: האגודה). "The Aguda" means "the Association" and is a common term used to describe many Israeli and Jewish organizations. The organization name is also abbreviated as "The Israeli GLBT Association" (Hebrew: אגודת הלהט"ב).
The organization was originally named the Society for the Protection of Personal Rights (Hebrew: האגודה לשמירת זכויות הפרט). In 1988, following the repeal of anti-sodomy laws in Israel, the phrase "for Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals in Israel" was added to the name. In 1995, the name changed to "The Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals in Israel". The term "Transgendered" was added to the name in 1999.[2]
The Israeli GLBT Association was founded in Tel Aviv in 1975 by a group of 11 gay men and one lesbian.[3]
They held the first pride parade in Kings of Israel Square.
The Aguda also runs youth groups for LGBT youth, among them are Hamon Aliza, which is aimed at lesbians, and Tzahal Bet, which is aimed at those between 18 and 22.[4]
Since 2006, Israeli citizens who are exempt from military service in the Israel Defense Forces can volunteer in the Aguda as a form of national service.[5]