Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our group. If you don't find the answer to your particular questions contact us at admin@jqyouth.org

About the Group

Joining the Group

About the Group

What is JQYouth?

JQYouth is intended for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people who come from frum/traditional Jewish backgrounds. Our members are in the 18-30 year old range. We host an anonymous email discussion group, and have monthly meetings at the Jewish Community Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Our members also often hold informal get-togethers.

Is JQYouth run by any larger Jewish or gay organizations?

No. JQYouth is run entirely by gay Jews in their 20's. There are no ulterior motives here. We just thought it would be important to create a space where people from similar backgrounds in similar situations could meet and talk to one another.

What happens at the monthly meetings?

The general turnout at our meetings is between 15 and 30 people. Each month, a group member moderates an informal discussion on a topic related to being gay and Jewish. Topics in previous months included: "Is coming out a good idea for Jewish youth?", "Perspectives on raising children in same sex Jewish households" and "Community: what does it mean to you?" Occasionally we host guest speakers to talk about related issues as well. We also dedicate a half hour before the discussion and a half hour after the discussion to socializing and shmoozing.

What is a typical JQYouth member like?

There is no typical JQYouth member. We range from Hassidic to "black hat," to Modern Orthodox, to traditional Conservative. We also differ with regard to our current religiosity. We have people who have become frum, and people from frum backgrounds who are no longer observant. No matter where you're at, this group is for you!

What kind of social events does JQYouth organize?

>We hold monthly meetings where we discuss issues relating to being gay/lesbian/bi Jewish youth (our meetings begin and end with some general socializing so you can get to meet people). Informal meetings are organized throughout the month by JQYouth members. All it takes is a quick e-mail to the group!

Joining the Group

How do I contact the group to find out more?

See the Join page or the Contact Us page.

What does membership require?

Absolutely nothing: no money, no obligations, no writing e-mails, no attending meetings, no responsibilities. All you have to do is sign up to our e-mail list. You won't get any spam because of it, we promise.

If I'm in the closet should I subscribe to the JQYouth list?

Yes. As a matter of fact, many of our members are somewhat in the closet. On our mailing list you don't have to give any personal information, not even a name. You can set up an anonymous E-Mail account before joining. You only have to reveal as much as you're comfortable with.

What if I'm not sure that I'm gay?

Although we can not answer that question for you, you are still welcome to join our discussion list and attend our get-togethers to learn from the experiences of other group members.

I don't want to be a part of the gay 'scene', should I still come to JQYouth?

Sure. This group is not intended to introduce people to the "gay scene." Our purpose is to discuss issues that relate to us as gay/lesbian/bi/trans Jewish youth and to provide people with a space where they can meet others who are dealing with being frum and GLBT.

What if I have gay feelings, but still want to get married?

Then you wouldn't be alone. We have several members who acknowledge their attraction to the same sex but want to live a heterosexual lifestyle for religious/personal reasons. You can still attend the meetings and discuss your point of view with the other members as well as meet people who are in the same situation.

What if I'm under 17?

If you are under 17, you can definitely contact us for advice on certain issues (see the Support page). To avoid controversy from the frum community JQYouth is intended for people who are at least 17 years old. This way we don't get any: "Oy, your group turned my poor, sweet little Moishele into a Homersekshal!"

What if I'm over 30 or was never frum?

JQYouth is intended as a group for people from frum backgrounds between ages 17-30. Anyone is welcome to email us with any questions they might have about the group, or about being frum and glbt. You can also visit our Links page to find out about more Jewish GLBT resources that are available in your area.

I'm not ready to join the group, how could I speak to someone privately about dealing with being gay and Jewish?

See our support page