My Big Gay Jewish Conversion (Documentary) (UK)

This BBC documentary is looking to explore whether sexuality and religion can be in harmony with each other. I have my personal views on the subject, but given that this documentary is barely 50 minutes long, it definitely seems worth spending my time.

Simon is Irish Catholic and a practicing Cristian. But things dont matter till he meets his boyfriend Matthew, a Jewish man. Matthew's Synagogue allows same-sex marriage whereas Simon's church doesn't and there begins Simon's mission. Simon goes on a personal journey as a gay man to discover if he could convert to Judaism and whether it is worth sacrificing his Catholic upbringing. Simon starts by talking to a variety of people, including other gay Jewish men and a Rabbi, before traveling to the birthplace of Judaism, Israel. He also visits Tel Aviv, where Gay Pride has been celebrated since 1979. He finds everyone open and accepting there. But as he delves deeper, Simon is hit with big doubts. In Jerusalem, he is faced with more conservative and hostile views. Finally, Simon visits one of the holiest sites in Christianity, where Jesus Christ was believed to have been resurrected and meets a trainee Catholic Priest to question his own faith. Eventually eh realizes that no religion will ever give him the 100 percent support he is looking for.

See, I could have guessed it before that no religion will ever have a universal acceptance of gay people. Simon thought that Jewish people had it all - religion, culture and ability to get married in a synagogue. But just because one synagogue does that in Ireland, that cannot be generalized. Similar to the fact that just because his church doesn't allow gay marriage, I am sure there are many others who do. Yes, he wanted answers but I believe those answers were already there. I personally didn't learn anything new from this documentary, admitingly that I don't know much about Judaism. There is no neat solution, it is a constant push and pull with extreme highs and lows. If you’re looking for answers from religion alone, you’re never going to find them. On the plus side, it was fun to see the party and accepting side of Tel Aviv with some really gorgeous beautiful guys and Simon and Matthew themselves made a very handsome couple. This doc offers nothing novel but given it is not too long, it makes for an easy watch. (5/10)

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