JQY

20s and 30s Pre-Purim Pregame with JQY and Eshel
2026-02-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
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

March in the Queer Group in Israel Day on Fifth 2026
2026-05-31
Queer Jews are in every Jewish community. Join the queer Jewish group as they march for visibility and representation at Israel Day on Fifth. Sunday, May 31st, in NYC. All adults, and any teens attending without a parent, must submit their own registration form.

Post March Cool Down
2026-05-31 16:30 - 18:30
If you marched in the parade, if you didn’t march, or if you just want a place to hang out in the A/C, join JQY for a cooldown. We’ll have snacks, drinks, and ice cream!
This event is open to ages 13-23 and will take place in Midtown, with the exact location shared upon registration.

Drop-In Center
2026-06-04 18:30 - 21:30
Coming out can look like a dramatic speech, a text sent at 2 am, a new haircut, telling one trusted friend, or just finally being honest with yourself. There’s no “right” way to do it — what matters is what it means to you. Join us for an evening of storytelling, connection, and community as we share coming out experiences in all their forms. Share your own coming out story, cheer others on, laugh, listen, and help create a space where every experience is welcome — whether you’ve been out forever, just came out yesterday, or are still figuring things out.
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

Oy Vey Drag Bingo!
2026-06-08 18:00 - 20:00
Your Pride plans just got shticky!
Join us for Oy Vey Drag Bingo – an evening of rooftop bingo hosted by your favorite drag bubbie, Merriam Levkowitz.
The night will feature live performances, eight rounds of bingo, prizes throughout, and a few surprises to make you kvell along the way.
We’ll have an open bar, cocktail-style dinner fare, and a room full of people who want to celebrate pride with the tribe and give back to the young people JQY serves every day.
Come alone or schlep your friends, you’ll leave with something only a bubby can give: a win, a laugh, life advice, or a deeper connection to JQY’s work.
All proceeds support JQY’s work providing mental health support and community for LGBTQ+ Jewish youth.

Razzle Bedazzle at the Drop-In Center
2026-06-11 18:30 - 21:30
Unleash your sparkle at JQY’s Bedazzling Extravaganza! Get ready to shine brighter than ever with our dazzling crafts, fun vibes, and epic memories. We’ll be bedazzling everything we can get our hands on – don’t miss out on the glittery magic!
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 people, 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

Mural Mondays- Translate Design to Canvas & Paint!
2026-06-15 18:00 - 20:00
Come celebrate Pride Month on Mural Mondays @ JQY! Tonight we are translating imagery and ideas to canvas for our Trans+ Pride Mural to be displayed in the Trans+ Closet. Everyone is welcome! You don’t have to be an artist to collaborate on this legacy art piece for the JQY Drop-In Center! We might even begin painting tonight!

*Registration Closed* Yankees Legacy of Pride Night
2026-06-17 19:00 - 21:30
Join JQY for Legacy of Pride Night at Yankee Stadium! Each sign-up comes with a Yankees Legacy of Pride cap and a $15 concessions voucher.
Registration is now closed.

Drop-In Center Graduation
2026-06-18 18:30 - 21:30
🌈 Celebrate Pride with sprinkles and sweetness! Join us at the JQY Drop-In Center for Rainbow Cupcake Decorating — a chance to get creative, connect with friends, and make something deliciously queer. All supplies (and vibes) provided! 🧁💖——————–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
