LGBTQ+ Jewish Community in Houston: What It Means to Be Queer and Jewish? QJews Director's Perspective

In my two years as Director of QJews, I have come to appreciate the diverse ways in which LGBTQ+ Jews relate to Judaism. Some folks find that familiar tradition resonates best, while others find joy in creating new ways to make Jewish rituals more infused with LGBTQ+ themes. The saying “two Jews, three opinions” rings just as true among queer Jews as it does in the general Jewish community.

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Opening QJews to this pluralism has transformed our annual community events into what they are today, including Trans Day of Remembrance and Trans & Queer Liberation Seders. I look forward to seeing how continued input from LGBTQ+ Jews will continue to shape these rituals.

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Below are my recommendations on how LGBTQ+ Jews and allies can engage with Pride in a meaningful way this year and beyond.

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How Houston’s LGBTQ+ Community Is Keeping Pride Alive During Difficult Times

Of course, for many members of our community, reconciling the last few years of rising antisemitism and queer/transphobia with the image of celebratory floats downtown is challenging. The headlines have been overwhelmed with stories of courts questioning the humanity of trans children and adults. Social media feeds are inundated with instances of antisemitism and Jewish-based exclusion from all over the world.

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Right now, LGBTQ+ Jews and non-Jews alike, should view this Pride as an opportunity to remind our community that we will stand together and help each other make it to the other side of this dark chapter in queer and Jewish history. Our queer ancestors knew this to be true that June evening in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, and we can carry that same resilience and strength into this chapter.

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I am determined to continue making QJews a space for LGBTQ+ Jews in Houston that see queerness and Jewishness as intertwined, not two ends of a needless tug-of-war pulling one way or the other. Organizations like QJews exist to be that light in dark times. Something as simple as an art class or dinner can remind us that we are not alone.

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Even if you aren’t LGBTQ+ or Jewish yourself, you can still do your part to stand with our community and show your support in the following ways, not only for Pride month, but throughout the year.

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How to Support the Houston LGBTQ+ Community During Pride Month

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In the spirit of promoting community support this Pride month, I want to encourage readers to take the time to check out the following organizations that are fighting for the LGBTQ+ community here in Houston:

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The Montrose Center

The Montrose Center continues to be a staple of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community for matters ranging from healthcare and legal support to social and community gatherings. The center hosts programs for LGBTQ+ youth and seniors and countless support groups. You can learn more about ways to get involved at montrosecenter.org/.

The Mahogany Project

Our trans siblings are especially vulnerable with trans POC facing the brunt of attacks both legislative and lethal. For this reason I also want to encourage readers to support The Mahogany Project, a Black trans-led organization that provides a safe space and a plethora of community resources to queer and trans BIPOC in Houston and the state of Texas. Right now, they are raising money to move into a better office from which they can continue to do life-saving work. Head to tmphtx.org/ to discover how you can support them as they continue providing resources to trans people of color in Texas.

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Pride Shabbat in Houston with QJews

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This year, we are collaborating with Keshet Houston for the annual Pride Shabbat. Whether we come from a New Age reconstructionist version of Judaism or keep Shabbat in a way that harkens back to a more traditional upbringing, the Houston LGBTQ+ community is here to stay, from generation to generation.

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Whether you are an LGBTQ+ Jew yourself or an ally, we hope to see as much community presence as possible at this year’s Pride Shabbat on June 26th, for which you can register before June 21st. This Shabbat is an opportunity for generations of LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones to come together and affirm our presence in Houston, showing that we will not back down even as prejudices continue rising.

Get Involved with Houston's LGBTQ+ Jewish Community and QJews Year-Round

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Whether you show up by attending Pride Shabbat or by just being there for an LGBTQ+ loved one this month, the ultimate spirit of celebrating Pride is by showing support in big and small ways.

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Aside from Pride Shabbat, QJews will also host a movie night in the near future and kick off 5787 with a Rosh Hashannah dinner in September. Stay in the loop with QJews by emailing hannah@qjews.org today.

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New to Houston and still figuring it out? You're not alone. Check out the Hey Houston events calendar for what's coming up for Pride, or join the community to see featured QJews events.

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