Another year in the books. We celebrated our 20th birthday, established a partnership with LA vs Hate, had loud and proud Pride celebrations, and launched a series of new support groups — in short, we were a busy bunch.
But now we pause. This is the time to rewind and remember our top 10 moments in community with LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. So here’s a healthy dose of nostalgia, featuring a scroll down memory lane.
1. 20 years of existence
The JQ Impact Awards carried on a legacy of recognizing those committed to strengthening the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. 200+ supporters from across our history gathered to celebrate 20 years of JQ and honor three trailblazers: Asher Gellis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JQ; Alison Rosenthal, community activist and longtime JQ supporter; and Rick Chavez Zbur, a member of the California State Assembly who represents District 51.
2. A very Gelty Hanukkah bash
300+ gathered at the Chapel at The Abbey for Gelty Pleasures, the biggest queer Hanukkah party of the year. Together, we danced to holiday classics, drank signature cocktails, ate all the latkes, and watched stellar drag queen performances. There was so much light and joy — we just wanted to bottle up the vibe in that room.
3. Support groups for connection and healing
To hold space for LGBTQ+ Jews and their families, we offered a dozen in-person and online support groups. Completely free. Completely confidential. The sessions were facilitated by our team of clinicians, all of whom are a part of the JQ community. (And right now, you can join one or more of our 2025 support groups.)
4. Historic partnership with LA vs Hate
JQ established a new partnership with LA vs Hate, an organization that supports LA residents in reporting and resisting hate. Our combined efforts have pushed more people to report hate crimes, helping LA County identify patterns and ensuring LA vs Hate can direct resources to those in need. Inch by inch, our work is creating a world that welcomes everyone, excludes no one, and runs on love.
5. 54th annual Pride Parade
Flags, flags, and more flags — check. We marched alongside 140,000+ in the LA Pride Parade, marking 54 years of recognizing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. After strutting up and down Hollywood Boulevard, we gathered for our annual Pride Brunch, an opportunity to nosh on Jewish favorites (bagels and lox, of course) and be together with our JQ friends and allies.
6. Teens explore and embrace their identity
Holiday celebrations, movie nights, arts and crafts, guest speakers, fun retreats — Teen JQSA did it all. Through our varied programming, middle and high schoolers connected with identity-affirming Jewish values and made new friends who shared their lived experiences.
7. Workshops to increase inclusion and care
We held a series of customized workshops to educate Jewish organizations and individuals on pressing LGBTQ+ topics. There was a three-part inclusivity training for staff and residents of Beit T’Shuvah, an addiction treatment center in LA. And we also had a presence at a mental health fair at de Toledo High School, all to share valuable information with students about Trans Day of Remembrance.
8. A night all about Persian Jewish pride
We held a triple holiday bash for Purim, Shabbat, and Nowruz (Persian New Year), blending the best of all three to celebrate our LGBTQ+ Persian Jewish friends and allies. There was Persian dancing, funky costumes, and some powerful words from Sam Salar, a queer attorney who manages a firm that represents people who identify as LGBTQ+.
9. Queer the New Year
We kicked off 5785 with a lot of food and a whole lot of fun. 120+ people came together for Queer the New Year, a Rosh Hashanah celebration held annually on the first Shabbat of the year. The highlights: we made rainbow challah, had a fortune teller do tarot card readings, debuted our partnership video with LA vs Hate, and spent time in the company of people we love.
10. Volunteers who care about the LGBTQ+ future
JQ is able to do so much because of some very special folks: volunteers. 70+ community members have given their time, stepping up as event organizers, guest speakers, and JQ Helpline responders. To honor these active agents of change, we held an appreciation Tu B’Shevat picnic in partnership with BaMidbar Therapy and a Shabbat dinner. (Want to help out? Become a volunteer in 2025!)
