Hila's Story

A Journey of Faith, Love, and Identity: Hila’s Story

By Hila, 34, in a loving relationship with Liron for 6.5 years

"Religious, happy, and living in a beautiful relationship."

Let me take you on a trip through my personal time tunnel.

Early Awareness

I grew up in a secular home and attended a secular high school, “Mikve Ariel.” In 10th grade, I realized I wasn’t just a fan of Ron Ponti, Israel’s national volleyball player—I was developing feelings.

"I processed these feelings for the first time and experienced an overwhelming, internalized homophobia."

I thought terrible things about myself, convinced I was making life harder for my family. I avoided any connection to the LGBTQ+ community and steered clear of romantic relationships.

First Steps Toward Self-Acceptance

By the end of 12th grade, I met someone from Ra’anana who became a significant milestone in my life. My first romantic relationship gave me the courage to come out to family and friends.

During my university years, I was surrounded by a mix of secular and religious students for the first time. This was a deeply anthropological experience: observing everyone’s relationship with God, with religion, with their communities, and the dynamics between genders. It was then that I began exploring my own connection to faith.

A Life-Changing Relationship

A “little push” from a religious friend led to a three-year relationship full of pain, beauty, excitement, and growth. Through her, I discovered the joy of observing Shabbat, praying in synagogue, experiencing community, and understanding belonging.

"Thanks to her, I came to embrace my faith and myself."

After we parted ways, I needed continued support, which led me to join Bat Kol, the LGBTQ+ religious women’s organization.

Pride and Community

My first Jerusalem Pride Parade with Bat Kol changed everything. I arrived alone, knowing no one. I saw women hugging, preparing speakers in a Hasidic-style procession.

"The realization hit me: I needed parades, I needed community, I needed a personal connection to a community that is religious and proud—each woman individually, and all of us together."

I became part of the Bat Kol management committee and was very active in the LGBTQ+ religious community. Alongside Oria Ben-Brit, I founded the LGBTQ+ cell at Ariel University. Slowly, I shed layers of internalized homophobia and found soul friends, building a small community within Bat Kol.

Meeting Liron

At a large holiday gathering in Jerusalem, about 6.5 years ago, I met Liron while we washed dishes together—two hours of dishwashing for 25+ women, plus cooking pots.

"With her, I learned what it means to be in love without hidden dangers, without a betrayal that would leave me wounded."

I understood what a healthy relationship really is. I realized that difficulties exist in every partnership, but they don’t define it.

Gratitude

Thank you to each one of you who is here and present. Each of you matters—and matters to me.

"Faith, love, community, and acceptance have brought me to where I am today."