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Writer's pictureNot An Ulpan

The Path of the Spineless to Power: Betrayal as an Illusion of Survival

Updated: Dec 6

History teaches us that in every period of increasing oppression, spineless people emerge attempting to crawl into the halls of power. The spineless, as its name suggests, tries to crawl through the cracks into the oppressive majority, under the illusion that this will ensure its survival. The current spineless figure in Israel is Imri Kalmann, the former chair of The Aguda - The Association for LGBTQ+ Equality in Israel, who recently published an opinion piece on the "Mako Pride" website in which he arrogantly called for breaking the LGBTQ+ alliance between gays and lesbians from trans people. Kalmann, a wealthy man and owner of well-known Tel Aviv brands, as well as a failed politician who led the 'Equal List'—which failed to pass the electoral threshold—has now decided to focus on attacking trans people.


Turning Your Back on the Trans Community as an Imagined Survival Strategy

Like a typical spineless figure, Kalmann thinks he can crawl into the halls of power if he just leaves trans people behind. However, history shows that it is precisely those who were excluded—like Marsha P. Johnson and Gila Goldstein—who became symbols of change and solidarity, while selfish individuals like him were forgotten.


When the Oppressed Become the Oppressor

Kalmann claims that most of the goals of the LGBTQ+ community have already been achieved, but while he celebrates his rights, many in the community still live under threat in the public sphere. Just like German Jews who tried to distance themselves from Eastern Jews, or middle-class Black people from poor Black people, Kalmann will eventually realize that to the oppressor, there is no difference—and every attempt at differentiation only makes the oppressor's job easier and intensifies the oppression.


L + G + B + T + Q = Community?

At a time when fascism is in power and the LGBTQ+ community is fighting for its survival, Kalmann, the former chair of the Aguda and a businessman, chooses to attack the community itself. At a time when violence is increasing, he fortifies himself in his ivory tower, complaining about the closure of his clubs, and aligning himself with transphobes. His attempt to present himself as mainstream in contrast to "radicals" ignores the reality: the fascists do not distinguish between the letters of the community, and his conservatism hurts the collective struggle of all of us. It is clear that all the letters of LGBTQ+ are stronger together, and division only makes it easier for the oppressors. Kalmann and others who believe that separation will save their skin and allow them to partake in power, will eventually discover that the oppressors don’t care—they will find themselves alone, isolated, and pathetic.

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