Mission Statement
JQ International celebrates the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies by transforming Jewish communities and ensuring inclusion through community building, educational programs, and support & wellness services, promoting the healthy integration of LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities. JQ envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ Jews feel a strong sense of self, pride, and community - a place where LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies are supported by communities that embrace their needs and celebrate their unique gifts.
Description
Established in 2004, JQ was born out of an urgent need CEO Asher Gellis felt and saw in the Los Angeles community - there was no space for LGBTQ+ Jewish folks to feel connected to one another, to their faith, and to their intersectional identities. What started as a dedicated individual planning affirming community events grew into a powerful organization dedicated to uplifting queer Jewish joy and creating a more inclusive future for all LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies.
Our work is focused in three primary categories: community building, educational workshops, and support services, creating a joyful and healthy future for individuals to connect through transformative and engaging programs, learn together to become inclusive and embracing allies, and thrive from seeking life-saving emotional and spiritual support. Though our work is based in Jewish values, folks of all faiths, ethnicities, races, and backgrounds are welcomed to utilize our services and are valued in our intersectional community.
To learn more about our programs and services, visit https://jqinternational.org/ .
