Chanukah Party at the Drop-in Center
2025-12-18 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
Celebrate Chanukah with JQY! We’ll have Sufganiyot, latkes, candle lighting, and who knows, you may even walk away with a Chanukah present (hint: you DEFINITELY will!)
This week’s Breakaway is the Trans+ group, where we’ll explore all things gender-related, through schmoozing, crafting and asking big questions. All trans, gender questioning or non-conforming and generally curious people are welcome to join.——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Robotics at the Drop-In Center
2026-01-08 18:30 - 21:30
This week at Drop-In we will learn about LEGO robotics with TEKintellect! Join us as we learn how to put together some cool beginner-friendly creations.
This week’s Breakaway will be Career Conversations where we will talk about what it is like to work in the STEM fields.
We’ll also be celebrating all of our January birthdays!
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Healthy Relationships at the Drop-In Center
2026-01-15 18:30 - 21:30
We will be joined by PACT to learn about consent, bodily autonomy, and healthy boundaries.
We’ll also do some STI mythbusting and hear about how to get queer-affirming healthcare!
The Breakaway will be FrumTalk- Where we’ll create a safe and open space to explore how religion interacts with our queerness- and vice versa-through shmoozing, crafting and asking the big questions.
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Karaoke at the Drop-In Center
2026-01-22 18:30 - 21:30
Get ready to sing, because it’s karaoke night at JQY! Pick out your favorite songs and cheer on your friends! From chart-toppers to throwback classics, we’ve got a song for every mood. Sing solo or team up with your friends for a show-stopping performance!
This week’s Breakaway is the Trans+ group, where we’ll explore all things gender-related, through schmoozing, crafting and asking big questions. All trans, gender questioning or non-conforming and generally curious people are welcome to join.——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov Yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23

Holding Complexity: Supporting Trans Youth by Lending Your Adult Brain
2026-02-02 19:30 - 20:30
A child in your life—your child, student, congregant, or a friend’s child—has come out as trans. Now what?
Some voices say that because more young people are identifying as trans, the child is not truly trans but is responding to peer pressure and “wokeness.” Other voices insist that the only way to be supportive is to immediately say yes to whatever transition-related social or medical steps a young person asks for. Meanwhile, each side accuses the other of causing real harm—using words like transphobia on one end and child abuse on the other.
Join Jeremy Novich, PsyD, and Tali Benkoe, LCSW, from JQY’s clinical team for a conversation-style webinar as they dive head-first into this polarized and controversial topic. Listen in as these experts on the intersection of mental health, queerness, and the Orthodox community use their extensive professional and personal experience to try to make sense of this messy discourse.

Tu B'Shvat at the Drop-in Center
2026-02-05 18:30 - 21:30
This week at the Drop-in Center: LGBTu b’Shvat seder!
Come celebrate the holiday of fruits with your favorite fruity friends! Bring something weird and unique to you, and we’ll figure out how it relates to Tu B’shvat! ✡️
——————–Join us in-person from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at our WeWork building at 135 w 41st street.
No need to register for Drop-in Center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of pizza and icebreaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23.
If you need assistance with transportation to Drop-in, please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Winter Walk and Ice Skating
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:30
Winter means ice skating with JQY! Whether you love to zoom around the rink, or inch forward clutching the side railing, we want you there! Gliding on the ice is always better with friends by your side. We will be joined by Queer Femme Hockey player extraordinaire, Simone, who will show us how to gain confidence on the ice. Bring your gloves, thick socks and jackets! Tali B. and EMO will meet you at Prospect Parks, Imagination Playground. We will have a quick huddle and head over to the LeFrak Center.

This event is for ages 13–23 who identify as Trans+ or are curious about gender and the natural world. Not sure if this describes you? Come hang out and see what it’s about—we’d love to have you join us!

Spill the Tea at the Drop-in Center
2026-02-12 18:30 - 21:30
Get acquainted with your fellow JQYers at this rapid get-to-know-you friendship event with icebreakers, tea, and delicious desserts!
The Breakaway will be ‘What the Health?’ where participants will talk about the intersection of queerness, disability, and navigating the world. All are welcome!
——————–Join us in-person from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at our WeWork building at 135 w 41st street.
No need to register for Drop-in Center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of pizza and icebreaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23.
If you need assistance with transportation to Drop-in, please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

20s and 30s Pre-Purim Pregame with JQY and Eshel
2026-02-17 19:00 - 21:00
Join Eshel and JQY for our first 20s & 30s program of 2026! Ring in Rosh Chodesh Adar with a wine and cheese Purim pre-game at the JCC with new and familiar faces. This will be a great opportunity to ideate about your Purim costume, if you haven’t yet come up with one yet!
This 20s & 30s event is 21+ and free to attend.
When: Tuesday, February 17, 7:00-9:00pWhere: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Poetry Slam at the Drop-in Center
2026-02-19 18:30 - 21:30
Get rhyming in this poetry slam extravaganza! Work with Poet and JQY staff member, Maris, on an exciting poetry workshop. We’ll learn about poem structure, bounce ideas off one another, and share our masterpieces with the group.
This week’s Breakaway will be Career Conversations, where we will hear from working professionals about what it is like to be Jewish & Queer in their careers.

No need to register for Drop-in Center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of pizza and icebreaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23.
If you need assistance with transportation to Drop-in, please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Fresh Fits at the Drop-in Center
2026-02-26 18:30
It’s time to mix, match, and swap your way to the perfect Purim costume! Bring your old clothing and costumes and join us for an evening of fun and festive clothing swapping!
This weeks Breakaway is FrumTalk- Where we’ll create a safe and open space to explore how religion interacts with our queerness- and vice versa-through shmoozing, crafting and asking the big questions.
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Queer Teen Purim Party
2026-03-02 18:15 - 21:30
Celebrate Purim with Pride!
Join us for an unforgettable Jew-topia Purim Party! It will be a night of community, celebration, and fun. We will have Megillah reading, a break-fast meal, games, a photobooth, and an awesome costume contest (with prizes)! Come in your Purim best, get ready to meet new friends, enjoy great music, and celebrate in an affirming and joyful queer space. We are so excited to partner with M.A.C. Viva Glam, who will be sending gift bags for each attendee!
This event is open to ages 13-23 and will take place in Midtown, with the exact location shared upon registration.

Trans Bonanza at the Drop-in Center
2026-03-09 00:00
Come celebrate Trans Day of Visibility with our yearly Trans Bonanza! We will have an amazing pre-Pesach drag performance, fun snacks, and we’ll learn how to make our own queer seder plates!
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Holding Complexity: Helping Queer Youth Envision Their Jewish Future
2026-03-09 19:30 - 20:30
LGBTQ Jewish youth from Orthodox and non accepting communities often experience rejection related to their identity. Whether that rejection comes from family, friends, educators, rabbis, schools, shuls, or from religion itself, the message can feel unmistakable: you don’t fit here.
When Judaism does not seem to have room for queer youth, queer youth often struggle to make room for Judaism. But this outcome is not inevitable.
In this installment of Holding Complexity, we listen to queer Jews describe how they have integrated Judaism and Jewish ritual into their lives in ways that feel meaningful, empowering, and linked to tradition.
Tune in as JQY experts Jeremy Novich, PsyD, and Rachael Fried explore what these conversations teach us about supporting LGBTQ youth and making space for Judaism as a source of wellness and meaning in their lives.
Because this event will be held via Zoom Webinar, your participation will not be seen by others attending.

Write the Night Drop-In Center
2026-03-12 18:30 - 21:30
This week at Drop-In, explore your inner artist! We’ll be working on the zine with Tali B
This week’s Breakaway is FrumTalk, where we’ll create a safe and open space to explore how religion interacts with our queerness- and vice versa-through shmoozing, crafting and asking the big questions.
——————–Join us in-person from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at our WeWork building at 135 w 41st street.
No need to register for in-person drop-in, just show up! We’ll have plenty of pizza and ice-breaker questions to go around.
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest——————–To sponsor a night of Drop-In Center, visit: jqy.org/sponsordropin

2026 JQY Gala
2026-03-16 18:30 - 22:00
Join us at the 2026 JQY Gala on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium – featuring an open bar, elevated bites, and special musical performances – all in support of Jewish queer youth.
We are thrilled to be honoring Tony Award-winning performer Brandon Uranowitx with the Jewish Queer Icon Award and Tony Award-winning producer Riva Marker with the JQY Trailblazer Award.
JQY’s work has never been more vital. As we continue to provide free mental health support, crisis intervention, and life-saving resources to Jewish queer youth – especially those from religious or non-accepting homes – your generous support ensures that no young person feels alone.
Please join us for a night to remember – and for a powerful show of support for JQY’s mission. Find tickets and more information at jqy.org/gala

Self Defense at the Drop-In Center
2026-03-19 18:30 - 21:30
This week at Drop-In, we’ll be joined by the Center for Anti-Violence Education, where we’ll learn all about self-defense!
This week’s Breakaway is the Trans+ group- Where we’ll explore all things gender related, through schmoozing, crafting and asking big questions. All trans, gender questioning, or non-conforming and generally curious people are welcome to join.
——————–Join us from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Trans Bonanza at the Drop-In Center
2026-03-26 18:30 - 21:30
Come celebrate Trans Day of Visibility with our yearly Trans Bonanza! We will have an amazing pre-Pesach drag performance, fun snacks, and we’ll learn how to make our own queer seder plates!
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest1d

Virtual Book Club Hang
2026-03-31 19:00 - 20:00
Join us to discuss our Jewish Queer book of the month, Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu! Meet with other JQYers who read the book and discuss your favorite parts, relevant themes, and how they connect to your Jewish and queer identities

Cupcake Wars at the Drop-in Center
2026-04-16 18:30 - 21:30
Pasta, bread, and cupcakes! Join our post-Passover chametz party this week by competing in a Drop-In Center cupcake wars! Pizza included, of course.
We’ll also be celebrating our April birthdays!
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Movie Night with Jeremy Borison Q&A
2026-04-20 18:00 - 20:30
Get your popcorn ready! It’s time for a movie night!
Join JQY to watch Unspoken and have a Q&A with writer and director Jeremy Borison! We’ll get comfy, pop some popcorn, and watch this amazing queer Jewish story together.
Unspoken follows the story of Noam, a closeted teenager in a religious community who discovers that he might not be alone. When he finds a love letter written to his grandfather by another man before the Holocaust, he sets out to find this mysterious person and uncover his grandfather’s identity as well as his own.
This event is for people 13-23 years old.

Talent Show Drop-In Center
2026-04-23 18:30 - 21:30
Show off your talents at the JQY talent show! Are you a singer? A poet? A painter? A crochet master? Show us your art! All talents are welcome!
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Drop-In Center Alumni Reunion
2026-04-28 18:00 - 21:00
Calling all past JQY Drop-In Center participants! Once a JQYer, always a JQYer! Come reunite with old friends, have some Bravo pizza, relive the best moments, and bedazzle something. Whether you came for the snacks, the support, or just the vibes—this reunion is for YOU! We’ll be decorating tote bags, hats, and more fun JQY swag. See you there—because chosen family is forever!
* This is event is for alumni of the JQY Drop-In Center from 2016-2025 *

Drop In Center
2026-04-30 18:30 - 21:30
Express your artistic vision with renowned artist Navot Miller. Find your inner artist voice and unleash your creative side at this paint party at the Drop-In Center. The breakaway will be the Trans+ group.
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Spring Art and Thrift
2026-05-03 14:00 - 17:30
Sunday, May 3rd, come explore Williamsburg with JQY! We will start off visiting award winning, Jewish artist Allison Zuckerman at her art studio! Right near by, we will continue on to do some local thrifting, styling each other and curating clothes for the JQY gender affirming closet! Each person will recieve pocket money to use, the rest is up to you! This event is for ages 13–23 who identify as Trans+ or are curious about gender and want to experience JQY outside! Not sure if this describes you? Come hang out and see what it’s about—we’d love to have you join us!

Drop-In Center
2026-05-07 18:30 - 21:30
Come celebrate your JQY Pride with some hands-on creativity! Come to the Drop-In Center for Pride March poster making with EMO and special guest Artivist, Efrén Olson-Sánchez! Make your voices heard through art making, whether you plan to march at Pride this June, love expressing yourself through art, or just enjoy connecting with others. All materials are provided—just drop in and join the fun!
We’ll also be celebrating May birthdays!
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

Holding Complexity: The Data Behind the Debate on Trans Youth
2026-05-11 19:30 - 20:30
Public conversations about trans youth, healthcare, and school practices are full of concerning claims—from children receiving gender-affirming surgery at school to a new phenomenon coined “rapid onset gender dysphoria. But what is actually supported by evidence, and what is not?
During this myth-versus-fact conversation we will sort through data, leaving plenty of room for more layered analyses and critiques of claims, including problems with missing context and oversimplification.
Join Jeremy Novich, PsyD, and Tali Benkoe, LCSW, of JQY’s clinical team for this conversation.
Because this event will be held via Zoom Webinar, your participation will not be seen by others attending.

Seudat Simcha at the Drop In Center
2026-05-14 18:30 - 21:30
Join Chagit and Casey as they share the newest member of the JQY family with the Drop-In center at Judah’s pidyon haben! Join this beautiful custom, and let’s celebrate queer simcha together.
——————–Join us from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest

JQY and Eshel Pre-Shavuot Game Night
2026-05-18 18:30 - 2026-05-19 20:30
Join JQY and Eshel for pre-Shavuot 20s and 30s game night! We’ll have time to schmooze, eat some cheesecake, and play games. Dinner (pizza) will be served.
This event is for people in their 20s and 30s.

Project Runway at the Drop-In Center
2026-05-28 18:30 - 2026-05-29 21:30
Make it Werk, designers!This week at Drop-In, we’ll express our identity through fashion design. What parts of our Jewish and Queer identities do we express via what we wear? How can we take ownership of our identities in the ways that we present ourselves? And then we’ll create fashion and walk the runway! Featuring special guest Alex Weissman, fashion designer at Vince Camuto
——————–Join us from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm EST at 135 W 41st Street
No need to register for the Drop-In Center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23
If you need assistance with transportation to drop-in please apply at jqy.org/travelrequest
