LGBT History Month: Uzi Even

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Uzi Even was born in Haifa, Israel on October 18, 1940.  He received a a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from the Technion, and a Ph.D at Tel Aviv University, where he is currently a professor of physical chemistry.  He specializes in spectroscopy of super cold molecules, molecular clusters and cluster impact chemistry, as well as the quantum properties of helium clusters.

In 1993 he testified to being discharged from the Israel Defense Forces when they discovered he was gay which led to changes in the laws allowing homosexuals to serve in the army.  In 1995 he fought for, and won, spousal rights for his partner from his employer, Tel Aviv University.  In 2002 he became the first openly homosexual member of the Knesset.

In 2009, he and his then partner, Amit Kama, became the first same-sex couple in Israel to have their right of adoption legally acknowledged when the Tel Aviv family court ruled they could legally adopt their 30-year-old foster son.  They are currently applying for divorce through the rabbinical courts, having been refused by the state for an official divorce.

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Also this month:

~ October is also National Bullying Prevention Month.

~ October 10th was Unity Day; wear orange to show your support and remind others about the importance of bullying prevention.

~ October 11th was National Coming Out Day when we celebrate coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or as an ally. See the Human Rights Campaign website for resources on coming out.

~ October 19th is Spirit Day; wear purple on this day to support LGBT youth & stand up against bullying.