Grounded in the Jewish prophetic value of pikuach nefesh, JQ offers virtual monthly drop-in support groups for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Led by skilled and passionate facilitators, these groups are psychoeducational and provide guidance, education, and support on various issues. Participation in these support groups is not based on a mental health diagnosis. Health insurance will not be billed, and registration is based on a suggested donation of $125 per participant for the series. If you cannot afford $125, please pay what you can. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. RSVP is required to attend. Please direct questions to JQ’s Director of Support and Wellness, Emily Abraham, [email protected]. 

LGBTQ+ Coming Out: A monthly, drop-in group for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community who is at any point in their coming out process. It provides opportunities for discussion about the what, when, how, and who of coming out. This group aims to be an embracing space for identity exploration, expression of emotions, support, and bonding. Facilitated by Lauren-Tara Weinman, AMFT 117739, and supervised by Dr. Laurel Wiig, PhD, LMFT 43813

Exploring Healthy Relationships: This group is open to Jewish queer womxn and non-binary adults seeking to build healthier intimate relationships. It is a welcoming space where individuals can nurture a sense of community, explore methods of communication, receive mutual support, and learn coping techniques. This group aims to foster a sense of self-empowerment, health, and healing with oneself and in relationships. Facilitated by Lillian Farzan-Kashani, LMFT 121953

Queer Jewish Teens: This is a mental health group for Jewish LGBTQ+ teens to discuss issues surrounding mental health, stress management, social relationships, identity development, and more. Parental consent is required to attend. Participants must live in California to attend, and the group is facilitated by a mental health practitioner. This group is in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. Facilitated by Emily Abraham, LCSW 110789

Iranian LGBTQ+ Adults: This group is open to Jewish Iranian LGBTQ+ and questioning people ages 18+. The group provides confidential support to discuss culturally sensitive coming out issues, an opportunity to meet other LGBTQ+ Iranian individuals, and a gathering of resources for continued support. Facilitated by Mastaneh Mohagdam, LCSW 23095

Grief & Loss: This group is open to Jewish LGBTQ+ adults that are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one. The group focuses on coping skills, connection with people also dealing with the loss of a loved one, and ways to combat isolation. It is open to individuals experiencing grief in any way and is led by a mental health practitioner. Facilitated by Emily Abraham, LCSW 110789

Transgender and Nonbinary Adults: This group is open to transgender, nonbinary, or gender questioning people ages 18+. The group provides support to discuss changes in perceived identities, shifts in feeling a part of an LGBTQ or straight community, changes in sexual intimacy and comfort around bodies changing, conversations about medical and nonmedical transition, sadness or fear, and a gathering of resources for continued support. Facilitated by Michael Levine, AMFT 124078, and supervised by Mastaneh Moghadam, LCSW 23095

Supporting a Partner through Gender Transition: A monthly drop-in group for non-trans (cisgender) people in an intimate relationship with a transgender/ nonbinary person. Relationship meaning: long-term, dating, casual, open, poly, monogamous, etc. The group will provide a space for non-judgmental and uninhibited conversation, support, and resources. Facilitated by Shana Gee-Cohen, MSW

Parents of Gender Diverse Youth & Young Adults: This group provides support and information for Jewish parents and caregivers from a behavioral health provider. It gives a space to ask questions or voice any concerns they have. No matter your level of transliteracy, you can get support and information and process thoughts and emotions that might not feel comfortable or appropriate to talk about with the trans and gender diverse young people in their lives. Facilitated by Jordan Held, LCSW 99905

The following questions are at the funder's request to report demographic information in aggregate. Your personal information is kept confidential. Our support groups are open to anyone regardless of their gender/race/religion/sexual orientation or identity.

Which of the following best describes your race and ethnicity? (check all that apply)

What is your present religion, if any? (check all that apply)

Informed Consent: 

Fees and Attendance

Health insurance will not be billed, and the registration fee is based on ability to pay, determined by you. RSVP is required to attend. Groups are drop-in, meaning you are not required to attend more than 1x and you can attend as frequently as you would like. 

Communication

You may contact Emily Abraham, Director of Support and Wellness, at [email protected] or 323.417.2627 x3 at any time. Your email or call will be responded to within 24 hours or the next business day. 

Any communication via telephone, video, email, fax, etc. has limits to confidentiality as all electronic communication can compromise confidentiality.

Support groups are held via video conferencing. Video conferencing has potential benefits including easier access to care and the convenience of meeting from a location of my choosing. There are potential risks to this technology, including interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties. 

Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality within the group setting is a shared responsibility of all members and facilitators. JQ asks that attendees respect the confidentiality of all group members. Support group facilitators may only share group content with JQ Director of Support and Wellness and their clinical supervisor, as applicable. 

Contents of all support group sessions are confidential without your expressed written permission except in the following situations: 

If there is a reason to believe there is an occurrence of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

If there is a reason to believe that you have serious intent to harm yourself, someone else, or property by a violent act you intend to commit.

In the course of providing support group services to you, we store identifiable information in a secure database. We also securely store your email address in order to send you information relevant to support group participation. 

A $125 registration fee per participant helps cover the costs of JQ support groups for the July to December 2022 sessions. We offer a sliding scale to ensure that all participants who want to join are able. 

• $50
• $75
• $100
• $125 

If you can not afford any of the above options, please pay what you can and that will serve as your registration fee. If you cannot afford to make a donation at this time, please attend the support group of your choosing at no cost.