Jewish OutLook has three main aims and objectives:

First, there is a real need for a support network to be offered to Jewish LGBTI people who are in the process of coming out as well as those who simply feel the need for the support of a friendly ear. This can enable individuals to deal with very strong feelings of alienation and isolation. Parents at the Trembling screenings also expressed a need for a support group in which to share experiences and to discuss how to deal with the coming out of their children.

Secondly, there is a real need for a social environment in which Jewish LGBTI people can meet one another. There are many cultural similarities as well as parallels in the experience of Jewish LGBTI people and many individuals have expressed the need for social settings in which to meet one another.We also seek to provide a friendly environment to meet others in the context of developing a close-knit, welcoming community.

Finally, Jewish OutLook seeks to provide a political voice for LGBTI people both within and outside the Jewish community. We represent LGBTI people within the Jewish Community as well as Jewish people within the LGBTI community. We also believe that we are part of the wider South African community and so have campaigned as part of important social struggles for the recognition of the right of same-sex couples to marry as well as protesting the upsurge in violence against lesbians.

We also believe in the following:

Jewish OutLook believes that LGBTI people need not choose between their sexual/gender identities and their Jewish identities. It is possible to reconcile both. We reject the view that the Jewish religion is opposed to our sexual/gender identities and believe in a vision of Judaism that embraces diversity of sexual orientation and gender identities. We believe that modern scholarship within all denominations of Judaism supports our view. We believe in the development and promotion of a positive Jewish and LGBTI identity for all our members.

Jewish OutLook does not believe in outing anyone. We believe in assisting people at all stages from being in the closet to being totally out. We are nevertheless committed to ensuring that those people who wish to live out and proud lives are able to do so with dignity in our communities. Those people who are in the closet may be interested in our support services (contact us if you wish).