JQ International

???? Purim is a story of hidden miracles. No burning bush. No parting sea. No manna raining down from the heavens. Rather, our heroes Esther and Mordechai work from behind the scenes to overcome hurdle after hurdle — a very Jewish experience. And from them, we learn… Where there’s darkness, there’s light. Where there’s sorrow, there’s hope. Where there’s challenge, there’s opportunity.? As modern-day Esthers and Mordechais, we’re responsible for our world, helping one another rise above the impossible. Sometimes those actions are big, but oftentimes they're small, hidden behind a mask. Chag Sameach. ??

Celebrate LJ Small, who will be honored with the JQ Leadership Award! ?? 1?? LJ is part of JQ’s teen advisory board, planning engaging programming for queer Jewish youth. 2?? LJ? joined JQ’s teen support program, Tzelem, in 7th grade, after hearing Arya Marvazy speak about being LGBTQ+ identity with JQ. 3?? LJ wants to become a marine biologist, and he loves to make art and play the ukelele! Celebrate role models in the LGBTQ+ Jewish world like LJ Small at this year’s 2025 JQ Impact Awards! ??? Sunday, March 30, 2025 ?? 11am-2pm PST ?? Sinai Temple (10400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024) For tickets, sponsorships, and ads, text IA2025 to 414-44 or visit https://lnkd.in/gne_xUag. #jqimpactawards #impactawards #impactawards2025 #ia2025

?? Use the power of your voice and story to advocate for a better world. And the world needs you — very much! Become a changemaker and a community leader through JQ Advocates, an empowering volunteer opportunity in LA. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/enQcFR-x

??? The JQ Impact Awards ??? Our community is celebrating LGBTQ+ Jews and allies with brunch, live music, and a very special program for the people who make things happen in LA. For tickets, sponsorships, and ads, text JQIA25 to 414-44 or visit https://lnkd.in/gne_xUag.

Rising transphobia and antisemitism has largely driven the ?? 85% ?? jump in calls to our Helpline this past month. A sobering statistic. People have called, texted, and emailed our clinical team for safe resources — people and places that can be trusted by LGBTQ+ Jews, an identity that should be met with open arms but often isn’t. This is how our Helpline is doing what it was created to do: help. ??

Celebrate Henry Platt, who will be honored with the JQ Trailblazer Award! 1?? He is a trailblazing advocate for mental health, sharing his story in a new book, “Profiles in Mental Health Courage” by Kennedy and Fried (2024). 2?? He is a Creative Services Manager at Warner Chappell Music, helping songwriters and emerging artists to develop their careers. 3?? He comes from a huge Jewish family, with two brothers and two sisters, and attended Sinai Temple and Camp Ramah in California. His biggest hero is his mother, Julie Platt. Celebrate role models in the LGBTQ+ Jewish world like Henry Platt at this year’s 2025 JQ Impact Awards. ??? Sunday, March 30, 2025 ?? 11am-2pm PST ?? Sinai Temple (10400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024) For tickets, sponsorships, and ads, text IA2025 to 414-44 or visit https://lnkd.in/gne_xUag. #jqimpactawards #impactawards #impactawards2025 #ia2025

Volunteers run our community — quite literally. They pick up the catering. Put up and take down the decorations. Field texts and calls to the JQ Helpline. And they do it all with a whole lot of heart. We are where we are today because of special humans like Deborah (she/her/they), an artist and filmmaker going on her third year as a JQ volunteer. “I tragically lost my LGBTQ+ teen to suicide in November 2021, and that was the catalyst for me to get involved,” she says. “As a volunteer, I try to do as much as possible to help LQBTQ+ Jews, especially teens, celebrate their queer Jewish identity.” Thank you for all you do, Deborah.

Applications are open! JQ Advocates is a highly specialized, cohort-style training program for Angelenos looking to affect positive change for LGBTQ+ Jews. ?? Hone your leadership skills ?? Lean into your personal story ?? Support marginalized communities ?? Advocate for a better world Apply now: https://lnkd.in/enQcFR-x

Meet Anna Goodman (she/her), our Digital Marketing Coordinator. A real good connector, she creates queer communities built on friendship and fun. She became a JQ professional in 2015, starting as our Program Director. And now, Anna uses her creativity to bring the look and feel of JQ to the next level. ?? “In a city like Los Angeles, it can be a challenge to meet others and feel seen,” she says. “I hope that with the events that I'm creating, folks can feel more confident being their authentic selves, making friends, and having fun in a safe, queer environment.”

You need to know who to trust when times get scary. And right now, as transgender rights are being targeted, we’re grateful to the City of West Hollywood for pointing Angelenos to us. In the newly published “Transgender Resource Guide” — a curated list of resources for transgender residents in LA — JQ is identified as a critical, trusted organization. ???????