Gay Community Faces Rift Over Cancellation of a Pro-Palestinian Fundraiser

The fight between Israel's supporters and detractors bubbled over in March 2011 when New York’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center canceled a pro-Palestinian group's event for which the center had rented its space. The cancellation followed complaints from supporters of Israel within the gay community. The center’s move set off a heated dispute within the gay community. In this debate and elsewhere, Israel and its supporters are highlighting the Jewish state's progressive attitude toward gay and lesbian issues. Pro-Palestinian voices, meanwhile, accuse Israel of "pink-washing” its conflict with the Palestinians.