Activists in the gay community agree that the IDF has undergone an inspiring evolution, in terms of its ability to accept and allow fair conditions for LGBT soldiers, but the actual situation is still not perfect, and regular and reserve soldiers report they confront LGBT-phobic rhetoric. A new conference called “LGBT in Battle” will discuss the positive developments, alongside the challenges that still await the soldiers and their families. “In recent years, the IDF’s attitude towards LGBT people is the best it has been so far. There are constant attempts to give LGBT people the opportunity to do full, meaningful service and even grow and advance in the army,” says Imry Zagury, head of government relations at the Aguda-The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel.
Zagury participated last Wednesday in the “LGBT in Battle” conference, a joint initiative of the Herzliya Municipality and the LGBT Association.