JQ International

Queer reads for the next generation of leaders. ?? Featuring relatable characters and plots that mirror lived experiences, these books were penned with LGBTQ+ teens in mind. Funny, romantic, sad, dramatic — so many emotions are captured on these pages to help teens navigate their own coming-of-age story. Download our “Community Resource Manual” for the complete book list: https://lnkd.in/egGMZc9y

Meet Samantha Eisenberg (she/her), our director of development. She oversees all of our fundraising efforts, ensuring JQ is able to keep functioning at the highest and most meaningful level. Here are three things you may not know about her… ?? Samantha is converting to Judaism at Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC), where she also serves on the board. ?? She's on the steering committee for Circa: Queer Histories Festival, the first and only LGBTQ+ histories festival in America. ?? Samantha loves playing jazz piano with the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles. Samantha, your passion and creativity add so much light to our community. Thank you for all you do!

Meet one of our incredible volunteers: Annie Herz (she/her). ?? After moving to LA for a fellowship at Repair the World, she became involved with JQ. Since then, you may have spotted her at JQ Pride Brunch or Shebrew Shabbat, her favorite event. In her professional and personal life, Annie is committed to strengthening Jewish LA, using her communications skills and experience as a community organizer to bring people closer together. Kol Hakavod, Annie!

?? Transgender Day of Remembrance ?? We gathered this weekend to be there for one another and hear from Joey Soloway, who was inspired to create the award-winning show “Transparent” after their parent came out as transgender. The night ended with Havdalah, which emphasizes the distinction between the holy and the mundane. For us, this separated our mourning period from our intention to move forward with strength and purpose. Today, we are continuing to hold space to remember and honor our transgender friends who were lost to violence. They deserved to live full, meaningful lives without fear. May the memories of those we lost be a blessing, and may we as a community continue to advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society.

Are you new here? ?? Find your crew at JQ, where strengthening and celebrating the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and allies is our passion and priority. Through educational programs, support services, and community building, we create a joyful, healthy future for LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones. Find in-person and online opportunities: jqinternational.org

Meet Asher Gellis (he/they), our fearless leader for 20 years. He founded JQ to celebrate and impact LGBTQ+ Jews, creating spaces where our identities can mesh and meld. Here are a few things you may not know about him… ????? Asher became the first executive director of JQ in 2004. Since then, he has launched dozens of LGBTQ+ Jewish programs and services in LA to promote inclusion. ?? During his three-month sabbatical, Asher did his own version of around the world in 90 days. He ventured east and kept on going, visiting Spain, France, Denmark, Norway, Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan. ?? He holds a BA in political theory from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Asher, thank you for leading with heart and inclusion to make our community stronger. We appreciate you!

Holiday celebrations, panel discussions, movie nights, arts and crafts, speaker engagements, fun retreats — Teen JQSA does it all. ?? This is a space for LGBTQ+ Jews in middle and high school to experience social and educational programs that help them navigate adolescent pressures, gain confidence, connect with Jewish values that affirm LGBTQ+ identity and inclusion, and create lasting friendships. ?? Do you know an LGBTQ+ teen looking for Jewish community? Point them to Teen JQSA: https://lnkd.in/eBjraczC

On #VeteransDay, we honor those who have served our country, a true act of selflessness. ???? In our own community, we recognize Nate Looney. “I stand proud as a veteran, a Jew, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community,” he says. “My journey reflects the strength of diversity in our armed forces and the unwavering commitment to protect the freedoms that allow us to be our true selves.” He exemplifies Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh B’Zeh, the value of being responsible for one another. Thank you for your service, Nate!

Call, email, text — we answer. The JQ Helpline is run by trained, caring professionals who are ready to answer your questions about LGBTQ+ resources and support.