JQY

Karaoke & July Birthdays at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

Headshots with Michael Kushner at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-07-24 18:00 - 20:00
Join us at the JQY Summer Drop-in Center for a special night of headshots with the fabulous Michael Kushner! Michael is a queer multi-hyphenate artist, actor, photographer, and creator of Queerology: The Podcast, known for capturing the beauty, authenticity, and magic of LGBTQ+ folks just being themselves. Whether you need a fresh photo for school, auditions, job apps—or just want to feel seen and celebrated—this is your chance to shine in front of the camera. Come as you are and leave with a portrait that captures your power, your pride, and your personality. Pizza, friends, and queer joy included!
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

Bedazzling & August Birthdays at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-08-07 18:00 - 20:00
Get ready to sparkle—literally! Join us at the JQY Drop-in Center for a night of all things shiny, glittery, and totally you. We’ll have rhinestones, gems, fabric markers, and all the supplies you need to bedazzle your clothes, bags, water bottles, or whatever needs a little extra shimmer. Come hang out, get crafty, and leave with something that shines just as bright as you do.
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

Collage Expression at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-08-14 18:00 - 20:00
Join us at the Drop-in Center for an evening of creativity and self-expression with artist Peter Shamah! We’ll explore identity, memory, and joy through the art of collage. We’ll bring together Jewish and queer pieces of ourselves to create something beautiful. No art experience needed; just bring your full self. ️✨
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

Aiden & Yosef Sheva Brachot at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-08-21 18:00 - 20:00
Mazel Tov Aiden & Yosef! We’re throwing a fabulous Sheva Brachot celebration at the Drop-in Center in honor of our beloved JQY fam, Aiden and Yosef! Join us for blessings, laughter, and simcha as we lift them up with love, community, and a little sparkle. ✨
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

Rainbow Waffles & Ice Cream Sundaes at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-09-04 18:00 - 20:00
Rainbow Waffles & Ice Cream Sundaes?! Yes, please!Come get your sweet on at the Drop-in Center with DIY sundaes, waffle magic, and toppings as extra as we are. Whether you’re here for the sprinkles, the syrup, or just the company, we’ve got you covered.
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

Open House for Parents & Professionals
2026-04-28 17:54
Join us for JQY’s Open House for Parents and Professionals on Monday, September 8 in NYC. This is a chance to meet our staff, tour the Drop-in Center, and learn how we can partner with you in supporting the wellbeing of LGBTQ youth. Whether you’re looking for guidance, resources, or simply a listening ear, our team is ready to walk alongside you.

Josh & Richard Sheva Brachot at the at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:00
Mazel tov, Josh & Richard! This week at the Drop-in Center, we’re throwing a Sheva Brachot celebration for our newly married friends. Come for the joy, the blessings, and of course… the snacks!
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

Jessica Kirson & Friends Stand Up for JQY
2026-04-28 17:54
Join comedy powerhouse Jessica Kirson and a lineup of her hilarious friends for an unforgettable night of laughter – all to support Jewish Queer Youth (JQY). Proceeds from the evening will help JQY provide free therapy and life-saving resources to LGBTQ Jewish youth from non-accepting communities. Come for the laughs, stay for the impact!

Rosh Hashana Shiur at the Summer Drop-in Center
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00
Start your new year with insight, reflection, and community. Join us for a special Rosh Hashana shiur where we’ll explore themes of renewal, identity, and hope—through a queer-affirming Jewish lens. All backgrounds and questions are welcome. Let’s enter 5786 together. ✡️
——————–Join us from 6:00-8:00 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

20s & 30s Cider and Schmooze with Eshel
2026-04-28 17:54
Make mar Cheshvan mar no more! Join us for some post-Tishrei rest and relaxation after this busy holiday season. Decompress with the assistance of apple cider, donuts, and other fall-themed treats and transition out the High Holidays and Sukkot with friends old and new! This event is free to attend.

Rainbow Challah Bake at the Drop-in Center
2026-04-28 17:54
The Drop-in Center is back, and we’re kicking things off with a Rainbow Challah Bake! Join us as we reconnect over colorful dough, laughter, and the smell of fresh-baked challah. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just here for the vibes, it’s a perfect way to start the season with warmth and pride.
——————–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

Mezuzah Decorating at the Drop-in Center
2026-04-28 17:54
Join us for Craft Night — a cozy evening to get creative, make something fun, and connect with friends. Whether you love painting, DIY projects, or just want to try something new, there’s a place for you to unwind, laugh, and let your imagination shine. ✂️️
——————–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

Fall Walk and Craft
2025-11-03 00:00
Explore Prospect Park during peak foliage and take home a DIY art project to commemorate your walk. We’ll be making individualized fall leaf impressions as colorful, queer keepsakes. We’ll be meeting Greta and Tali B. outside the Grand Army Plaza Entrance and will head out on a serene fall walk through Prospect Park. We’ll explore how autumn and the passing of the seasons can teach us about ourselves and the world around us. Then, we’ll find a leafy spot to memorialize the objects we’ve collected along our walk.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!

Sephardi & Mizrahi Jewish Trivia at the Drop-in Center
2025-11-06 18:30 - 21:30
This week at Drop-In, to celebrate Sephardi-Mizrahi Heritage Month, we will be joined by Ruben Shiminov from the Sephardi-Mizrahi Q Network! We will learn about the intersections of all these identities and enjoy some Bukharian treats.
This weeks Breakaway is Name Change Clinic with Cardozo OUTlaw where JQYers will have assistance with filling out the documentation for legal name and gender marker changes and get notarization of the documents.——————–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

Spa Night at the Drop-in Center
2025-11-13 18:30 - 21:30
Take a breath and unwind with us. We will have face masks, hand scrubs, gentle music, and a cozy space to relax with friends. Show up exactly as you are and enjoy some calm, care, and community. All supplies provided.
Tonight’s breakaway will be FrumTalk with Suri, where we will discuss all thing frum and queer!
——————–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

Fall Walk and Craft
2025-11-16 13:00 - 16:00
Explore Prospect Park during peak foliage and take home a DIY art project to commemorate your walk. We’ll be making individualized fall leaf impressions as colorful, queer keepsakes.
We’ll be meeting Greta and Tali B. outside the Grand Army Plaza Entrance and will head out on a serene fall walk through Prospect Park. We’ll explore how autumn and the passing of the seasons can teach us about ourselves and the world around us. Then, we’ll find a leafy spot to memorialize the objects we’ve collected along our walk.
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!

Friendsgiving at the Drop-in Center
2025-11-20 18:30 - 21:30
Friendsgiving: It’s like Thanksgiving, but with your CHOSEN family! Gather round the drop-in table for a delicious feast of seasonal pies with your favorite LGBTQ Jewish fam. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in gratitude, laughter, and simcha.
*Ugly sweater optional
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 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

Zine Workshop at the Drop-in Center
2025-12-04 18:30 - 21:30
This week at Drop-In we will embrace our inner artists and make our own take-home zines! No experience necessary.
At this week’s Breakaway, we will be joined by law students from the Cardozo Law Name Change Clinic who will teach us about the process of legally changing your name.
We’ll also be celebrating all of our December 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

Winter Wellness
2025-12-09 18:30 - 20:30
Join JQY and Eshel for a relaxing spa night focused on the five senses. We’ll learn how to practice mindfulness, talk about setting up your space to better ground yourself, and enjoy some cozy aromatherapy! Chinese food (vegetarian and meat options) will be served. Location will be shared upon registration.

Cocoa and Crochet at the Drop-In Center
2025-12-11 18:30 - 21:30
Unravel your creative side! Join us at Drop-In this week for a crochet and cocoa night. All yarn crafts are welcome! Bring your work-in-progress projects and supplies and join us for a relaxing night of creating and schmoozing. We’ll also have Crochet 101 lesson for those of you who want to learn how to get started.
This week’s Breakaway is Disability: What the Health? where we will talk about the intersection of queerness and disability and navigating the world. All 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

Chanukah Party at the Drop-in Center
2025-12-18 18:30 - 21:30
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
