At only 60 years old, Israel has become one of the most progressive countries in the world and the most tolerant country in the Middle East in legislating equality for sexual minorities and ensuring their civil and personal rights.  Most recently, on April 25, Israel recognized the first overseas adoption by a gay couple. The 8-year-old Cambodian-born boy was granted Israeli citizenship.

First and foremost, gay rights are protected by law. Gay marriages – performed outside Israel – are recognized by the state, and same-sex couples are permitted to adopt. Gays can serve openly in the military. Gender reassignment surgery is legal and openly performed. The gay community has gained wide acceptance throughout Israeli society, including in the political, legal, military and cultural realms. In fact, the city of Tel Aviv has one of the most flourishing gay communities in the world.

Since the 1990s, Tel Aviv has hosted Israel’s largest gay pride parade; about 20,000 people attended in 2007. The gay nightlife in Tel Aviv rivals that of New York and London, with gay and lesbian bars and clubs open until the morning.

The Israel Project (TIP) is an international non-profit organization devoted to educating the press and the public about Israel while promoting security, freedom and peace. The Israel Project provides journalists, leaders and opinion-makers accurate information about Israel. The Israel Project is not related to any government or government agency.

The Israel Project’s (TIP) Jerusalem Office is a trusted non-governmental resource working with foreign journalists based in Israel. It provides reporters with needed facts and information before they file their stories. TIP’s Jerusalem team features several Middle East experts and former journalists.They host media events and briefings and provide background and sources to the more than 400 reporters permanently assigned to Israel as well as the hundreds of others who report from Israel at key moments in history.