Dear JQTs, unfortunately, we are canceling our Sukkot event at Or Shalom, which was scheduled for this Sunday, October 20. We are very grateful to Or Shalom for offering us space for this event. We apologize for the short notice and for any inconvenience.

We look forward to seeing you at our next two upcoming events:

>Bellydancing with Rahel on October 27

>Comedy Night with Antonia Lassar on November 30

***

🧺What: Bring your own dinner, beverages, and picnic blanket, for our annual JQT BYO Sukkot Dinner under the beautiful Or Shalom sukkah (booth)! Wave the lulav (bouquet of funky fronds) and etrog (weird lemon) if you’re feeling like it! Sukkot is about bringing in the new Jewish year by gathering in nature, enjoying the harvest with one another, and extending radical hospitality to the stranger. 

🕒When: Sunday, October 20th, event starts at 6pm, done by 9pm

🌿Where: Or Shalom, 710 East 10th Avenue (corner of 10th & Fraser), under the sukkah in the backyard, or inside the social hall if it rains

🌟Who: All are welcome, JQT regulars and newcomers alike, whether 2SLGBTQIA+, Jewish, curious, friends, or all of the above! 

🅿️Transportation: The #8 bus stops on Fraser between 10th and Broadway. The #9 and #99 both stop at Broadway and Fraser. There are good sidewalks on all of the streets near Or Shalom. There is a covered bicycle rack under the Or Shalom stairs. Street parking is available on Fraser and on 10th. 

♿Building and sukkah access: The sukkah is in the backyard, which is a grass surface with some small elevation changes, accessed through a sidewalk gate on 10th. The social hall and two single-user, all-gender washrooms are on the ground floor, accessible by the backyard or stairs just inside the gate. There is another washroom on the upper floor, accessible via the wheelchair ramp off of Fraser Street. The floors are connected by indoor stairs but not by elevator.

NANA SCHEWITZ COMES TO BUDDIES IN TORONTO ON MAY 28!

Tickets $18 at https://buddiesinbadtimes.com/event/florida-ya-kill-me/

Florida! Ya Kill Me! is a one-woman theater show, following Berlin-based 96-year-old drag queen Nana Schewitz on the journey back to her ancestral home of South Florida to find a slice of retirement paradise. As Nana retells her true experiences touring South and Central Florida’s most eclectic and glamorous retirement abodes, she begins to uncover the equally glamorous stories and lives that reside in these purpose-built palaces of paradises. The 90-minute theatrical production in addition to the post-show discussion, will begin and expand a dialogue throughout Canada about the nuances and challenges of aging and its effects on Jewish and Senior communities.

Part documentary, part travelog and part drag show - Nana takes her guests on a tour around the various retirement homes throughout Florida. As she meets fellow retirees, she encounters the joys, challenges, and struggles of these folks as they search for the best way to live out their days in Paradise. From purpose-built golf cart towns to the most active swinger community in the USA, these varied neighborhoods redefine what aging looks like. Can this fantasy last forever, or will the walls of paradise eventually crumble under their own weight?

This production is graciously sponsored by the Goethe-Institut Toronto and is a co-production with JQT Vancouver.

***

SCHEDULE
7:00PM - Doors open (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available at bar)
7:30PM - Performance begins (no intermission)
9:00PM - Performance concludes (followed by 15 minute break)
9:15PM - Gather for artist talkback (schmooze with J-Cuties until closing at 10PM)

***

PERFORMER BIOS
Nana Schewitz (she/her) is Berlin’s premiere 96-year old Jewish Drag Queen Grandmother. She is the product of artist Bryan Schall, who also works as an independent lighting designer for performance in Berlin. Some of Nana’s favorite productions include her one-woman show titled The Nana Schewitz Pass-Me-Over Party, a one-woman rehearsal of Nana’s funeral. Nana went on to perform this piece at the Prague Fringe Festival as well as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Nana also performed with Taylor Mac at Taylor Mac's A 24-Decade History of Popular Music, at the Berliner Festspiele. She’s performed in venues such as the Maxim Gorki Theater of Berlin, Volksbühne Berlin, Institut für Zukunft Leipzig, Kampnagel Hamburg, and numerous others. One of Nana’s favorite events to co-produce is her Minori-tease Cabaret titled Jews! Jews! Jews! alongside co-producer Lolita Vavoom. Jews! Jews! Jews! prides itself on highlighting the queer and active Jewish cultural scene that Berlin has to offer. They aim to present Judiasim in Berlin as being alive and complicated, bringing in Jewish and minority talent from around the globe. Aside from their many productions in Berlin revolving around the different Jewish holidays, Jews! Jews! Jews! has performed at the FestivALT in Krakow, Poland, the LABA Institute of Berlin, as well as the Jüdischen Gemeinde in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Instagram: @dontfuckyournana

Josh Walker (josh/he/him) is a producer, filmmaker and craftsperson based in Philadelphia. Josh is driven to cultivate empathy through radical imagination, storytelling, and silliness. He is a longtime partner and collaborator of Nana’s. They have developed several pieces around Berlin together including the Nana Schewitz Pass Me Over Party and Florida! Ya Kill Me! Together, they headlined Berlin’s Maxim Gorki Theater’s In Exile festival. Recent works include: jawbone: an animated film (Director/Producer), Florida! You Kill me! (Director and Co-Creator), Ellsworth (Producer), The Spirit God Gave Us (Associate Producer), “We’re So In Tune” - Kississippi Music Video (Puppet Designer), Pass Me Over Party (Prague Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe), Edison (Edinburgh Fringe), Clouds in the Kitchen (Painted Bride), lemons (United Solo & NYC Summerfest).
Instagram: @howareyoubud

***

WHO ARE WE?
JQT Vancouver (pronounced J-Cutie) is a volunteer-run Jewish Queer and Trans non-profit dedicated to "queering" Jewish spaces and "Jew-ifying" Queer spaces through education, dialogue, art, cultural celebration and partnerships in Vancouver, BC, on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.
www.jqtvancouver.ca

The Goethe-Institut (Toronto) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. We promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange.
www.goethe.de/ins/ca/en/sta/tor

***

MORE INFO
This is the fourth event in the JQT Mental Health Support Series, which was developed in partnership with JFS Vancouver, following the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative's community needs assessment, which identified a critical service gap: Call to Action #6 - Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support. This gathering also addresses: Call to Action #9 - Amplify and hire Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ artists, performers, activists, etc. For the most up-to-date details on this series, please visit: https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-mental-health

Donation - If you are in a position to make a financial contribution towards the JQT Mental Health Support Series, visit the JFS Vancouver donation page (https://www.jfsvancouver.ca/donate/) and select the "JQT Mental Health" as your designated program. Your tax receipt will be sent to the provided email address.

Covid policy - JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Toronto Public Health, and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.

Accessibility info - The performance will take place at Buddies InBad Times, located at 12 Alexander Street in Toronto. Here is a detailed page dedicated to accessibility information at Buddies: https://buddiesinbadtimes.com/accessibility/ For more info, please email aidan@buddiesinbadtimes.com or call 416-975-9130.

Tickets - Presale for the show will end 2 hours before doors open. Guests will still be able to purchase at the door provided there is space available. Buddies takes cash, credit and debit, but cannot take American Express at this time. Patrons who purchase online will not receive an e-ticket with their confirmation email, rather simply give your name at the box office when you arrive to receive your physical tickets. Please note that there are shows in Vancouver too, please make sure that you are purchasing tickets for the Toronto show from Buddies directly (otherwise you may be purchasing tickets from JQT in Vancouver!!!)

This workshop is at maximum capacity. If you would like to be placed on our waitlist, please continue to sign up. Thank you!

***

Mindfulness Clay Ritual - Thursday, March 28, 2024 @ 7-9PM at Or Shalom

Reuben’s Mindfulness Clay and Jewish Ritual Workshop explores how to use clay as a medium for mindfulness. We will begin with a short group meditation to ground ourselves and become acquainted with the clay, and then pinch pots to the rhythm of entrancing music. During the bulk of this workshop we will create Kiddush cups, the most basic Jewish ritual object, using beginner slab techniques. This cup will invite you to bring more Jewish rituals (shabbat) and mindfulness into your existing or new Jewish practices/traditions. This 2-hour workshop welcomes any skill levels and encourages group conversation.

Registration to participate in this workshop is required in advance. There are 15 spots available for this workshop, so please register responsibly. If you are unable to make it, please give us advance warning so that we can give your spot to the next person on the waitlist. Click here to register.

***

This is the third event in our JQT Mental Health Support Series, which was developed in partnership with JFS Vancouver, following the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative’s community needs assessment, which identified a critical service gap: Call to Action #6 - Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support.

This gathering also addresses: Call to Action #9 - Amplify and hire Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ artists, performers, activists, etc.

For the most up-to-date details on this series, please visit: https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-mental-health

Donation - If you are in a position to make a financial contribution towards the JQT Mental Health Support Series, visit the JFS Vancouver donation page and select the "JQT Mental Health" as your designated program. Your tax receipt will be sent to the provided email address.

Covid policy - JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Vancouver Coastal Health and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.

Accessibility info - Programming will take place at Or Shalom Synagogue, located at 10th Ave and Fraser St. There is wheelchair accessibility around the outside of the building off of Fraser. If you need assistance, please email info@jqtvancouver.ca well in advance! There is an all genders washroom upstairs and an accessible washroom downstairs, which can be accessed via stairs inside the building or outside off of 10th Ave.

MEET YOUR HOST

My name is Reuben (He/Him), I am a Jewish-Canadian who grew up in Toronto, ON and have been living in Vancouver, BC for the past 6 years. I have been working with clay for over 18 years, and have always been drawn to making objects with the intent of seamlessly integrating functional art into our everyday rituals. I have been using clay as my own personal art therapy for years, and want to share the tools and exercises I have learned with my Jewish community. 
reubenking.ca 
insta: @reubenskraft

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK:

“This was such a good space and event. I'm part of a meditation community and really appreciate having this space to practice that in a Jewish context. I would love more mindfulness events. It was very sweet and calming. I've experienced a great deal of anxiety and stress since the beginning of the war and it felt so good to be in a peaceful Jewish space. Thank you for making this happen!!!!”

***

“I had a really awesome time at the clay workshop, my biggest gratitudes to JQT for hosting it. It came in very useful for me at a time when I was pretty stressed. The atmosphere was very nice and peaceful, I got to spend time around other people and create something cool. Reuben was a pro, to the point where I was kind of surprised when he said he never had professional training in leading workshops. If I had to suggest an improvement, there wasn't very much room for me at the table, but it's sort of my fault for being late.”

***

“This workshop was so great and so needed! It was a beautiful evening and Reuben’s guidance helped set the tone for a dreamy, mindful, creative experience that was healing in so many ways. A big thank you to JQT for making it happen!”

***

“What worked well for me?
- The location, easily accessible for me (I live in Kits and it's pretty easy to come with public transportation)
- Working with a group, but everyone at their own space, how we want to do things
- Reuben's teaching: nice, clear, mindful
- The space you created
- I enjoyed the fact that it's related to mental health without needing to share about traumas or concerns

What needs improvement?
- I genuinely don't know! I think the workshop was great and the frame created by JQT is awesome.”

JQT Dying & Death - Sunday, February 25, 2024 @ 1-3PM at Celebration Hall, Mountain View Cemetery

Join us for a townhall conversation on the status of Jewish queer trans dying and death services in BC. This is an opportunity to explore commonality and find ways to fill gaps. Come to learn, bring your questions and voice your ideas. This hybrid event (in-person and virtual attendance) will be hosted by the JQT Seniors Initiative, and everyone is welcome, including those who are involved with Chevrah Kadisha (Jewish burial societies), synagogues, care and end-of-life services, funerals and burials. The goal of this community gathering is to provide a platform for the JQT community to find out what is and is not yet possible in BC in 2024, and to build bridges between various groups that are working towards making dying and death more inclusive for our community at large. We invite these groups to give a quick presentation to inform our community.

Registration to attend and to present is free but required in advance. Only registrants who indicate that they will be attending virtually will receive the Zoom link. Light vegetarian food and refreshments will be provided. Click here to register.

***

A message about changing the event name from "JQT Death Cafe" to "JQT Dying & Death":

We believe in the importance of safe spaces for the JQT community to talk about dying and death. We have received feedback that the concept of "Death Cafe" may not be known to everyone in our community. For context, a Death Cafe is a model of hosting an event that brings people together to discuss death and dying over food and tea. More info can be found with a quick Google search. 

We want to treat this topic with the utmost respect. Given the concerns brought to us and in light of the pain our communities are feeling right now, we have opted to change the event name to  "JQT Dying & Death". We know this topic is at top of mind for queer trans Jews of all ages (as death can happen any time), as well as for any Jews who are memberless of a synagogue, are in mixed relationships, and/or would like to know what is and is not available to them in BC at this time... when the time does come inevitably.

We encourage all participants to come to this event with open hearts, and for those with relevant experience, to give a short 5-min presentation, so we can build bridges and find solutions (even temporary ones) to issues regarding dying and death as queer trans Jews to reduce their weight on our community's mental health. To maximize comfort, please wear comfortable clothing, bring a tush pillow, perhaps even a pair of slippers, a cozy blanket, and enjoy the full bagel spread.

***

This is the second event in our JQT Mental Health Support Series, which was developed in partnership with JFS Vancouver, following the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative’s community needs assessment, which identified a critical service gap: Call to Action #6 - Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support.

This gathering also addresses: Call to Action #2 - Develop inclusive care services for Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ seniors and Call to Action #3 - Ensure that senior care home intake adequately assesses the needs of LGBTQ2SIA+ residents.

For the most up-to-date details on this series, please visit: https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-mental-health

Donation - If you are in a position to make a financial contribution towards the JQT Mental Health Support Series, visit the JFS Vancouver donation page and select the "JQT Mental Health" as your designated program. Your tax receipt will be sent to the provided email address.

Covid policy - JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Vancouver Coastal Health and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.

Accessibility info - The official address of Celebration Hall is 5445 Fraser Street. Access to the site is from Fraser Street at 39th Avenue. Parking is available on the opposite side of the road adjacent to the Celebration Hall, in the parking area near the Operations Yard and on the side of other internal cemetery roads. The space is fully wheelchair accessible.

MEET YOUR HOST

Lisa Cohen Quay, RSW, MSW, MPA, is a registered social worker with 30 years experience working with older adults and their families in various community settings in the US and Canada. She coordinates Adult Programs at the Vancouver Jewish Community Centre and is a founding member of the JQT Seniors Initiative. She was a founding member of The Final Acts Project in Texas, a non-profit community-based health education initiative that used theatre and creative arts as a catalyst to stimulate end of life discussions, planning and legacy building, and which included hosting death cafe events.

The JQT Seniors Initiative is a Community Response Network of Jewish, LGBTQ+ and seniors healthcare organizations, addressing senior social isolation and loneliness in our communities, as well as the fear of going back into the closet and/or hiding one’s religious and cultural identities upon entering Assisted Living and Long Term Care in BC. The initiative recently launched the BC Jewish Queer & Trans Seniors Resource Guide, available at www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-seniors-initiative

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

“1) Felt so much more grounded in what to expect and not expect in the Jewish traditions we might wish to adhere to, during this time in our lives or the lives of loved ones

2) A lot of relief for me personally. I didn't think if I wanted a Jewish burial, I'd be included in the usual traditions through Schara Tzedek. I now feel confident I will be included in being taken care of with dignity and respect.

3) There is some room for the usual Jewish institutions to get some feedback and or training on how to be more inclusive. I appreciate their efforts, but I feel they may need to work a bit more on signalling to the trans and queer Jewish community that we are welcome.”

***

“Presenters provided vital information about current burial services and support available to queer and trans Jews and their families. This enabled partipants to identify gaps, and make suggestions about how to close some of them.

Discussion about "inclusion" made clear the need for education/training. A common misconception is that inclusion means treating everyone the same; but this ignores the very real differences that, when not addressed, can lead to exclusion and other negative impacts.

This event was very well organized and facilitated, allowing for honesty and openness within a respectful and heartful environment.”

***

“The people who created the resources did an excellent job, the presenters… relayed essential information…by advising the group that these "death items" need to be started when young and up-dated regularly. Things change over time and up-dates are essential.”

***

“A milestone conversation for our community! Looking forward to seeing what changes will come from this townhall’s learnings”

***

“Amazing and transformative JQT event… that brought together so many important voices to talk about the dying and death needs of Jewish LGBTQ+ community”

Listen & Be Heard - Sunday, February 11, 2024 @ 1-4PM at Or Shalom Synagogue

Join your fellow Jewish queers, transfolk and enbys in an intentional space for sharing and listening to each other's perspectives on the Palestine/Israel conflict, including recent events in Gaza. Each person will be invited to share their experiences and views on a topic that can be difficult to discuss, and together we will open our hearts and listen to each other with presence and chasadim, loving kindness.

All perspectives are welcome. The goal of this gathering is to listen to each other instead of debate, and build our capacity as a community to create an intentional, supportive, safe, and healing space for our diverse voices to be heard. The session will be led by Alycia Fridkin, an experienced facilitator on equity issues and a member of the Vancouver queer Jewish community, and co-facilitated by Jewish therapist, Anat Kelerstein, who will be providing extra support to the group. We look forward to seeing you there.

Registration is free and required in advance. Light vegetarian food and refreshments will be provided. Click here to register.

***

A message from your host and co-host:

We believe in the importance of safe spaces for people to process the emotional complexities, heartbreak, and fears associated with the Israel-Palestine conflict. We believe it is important for each of us to feel heard and to listen to others. Throughout the session, we will be encouraging participants to speak from the heart and share their personal experiences of what it has been like navigating this time. We will be providing useful tools and guidance for this along the way and extra support as needed.

We hope that by hearing from each other with open hearts, we can reduce some of the suffering and isolation that many in our community are experiencing, and increase our capacity to move forward in a compassionate and caring way. We encourage all participants to hold these intentions in mind during the event. We appreciate your willingness to find connection in the midst of disconnection. To maximize comfort, please wear comfortable clothing, bring a tush pillow, perhaps even a pair of slippers and a cozy blanket.

***

This is the first event in our JQT Mental Health Support Series, which was developed in partnership with JFS Vancouver, following the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative’s community needs assessment, which identified a critical service gap: Call to Action #6 - Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support.

This gathering also addresses: Call to Action #12 - Be open to those who have a spectrum of opinion on Israel/Palestine.

For the most up-to-date details on this series, please visit: https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-mental-health

Donation - If you are in a position to make a financial contribution towards the JQT Mental Health Support Series, visit the JFS Vancouver donation page and select the "JQT Mental Health" as your designated program. Your tax receipt will be sent to the provided email address.

Covid policy - JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Vancouver Coastal Health and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.

Accessibility info - Programming will take place in the sanctuary of Or Shalom Synagogue, located at 10th Ave and Fraser St. There are stairs to the main entrance off of 10th Ave. There is wheelchair accessibility around the outside of the building off of Fraser. If you need assistance, please email info@jqtvancouver.ca well in advance! There is an all genders washroom upstairs and an accessible washroom downstairs, which can be accessed via stairs inside the building or outside off of 10th Ave.

MEET YOUR HOST & CO-HOST

Alycia Fridkin is an equity and anti-racism consultant who supports individuals and organizations to address inequities in health care and other sectors. She has facilitated engagement sessions and workshops on systemic racism, whiteness and white fragility, meaningful involvement, and stigmatized topics such as substance use and decriminalization. Her training includes a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Health Science, and she is currently completing a certification program in Transformational Coaching. Issues related to Jewish people and equity such as the Palestine/Israel conflict are important to her, and she is interested in initiatives that strive to make communities safer and fairer. Alycia is a queer Jewish White settler living in Vancouver, BC on the unceded homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples.

Anat Kelerstein is a registered social worker and clinical counselor in Vancouver, on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Anat has worked in a variety of mental health and substance use settings supporting people who struggle with mental illness, substance use, trauma, and various forms of oppression. She is passionate about providing anti-oppressive and trauma-informed care. Since October 7th, Anat has felt compelled to use her skills as a therapist to provide support to those who have been affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict. She is looking forward to continuing that work through JQT and helping to build compassionate spaces for Jewish Queer and Trans people to feel heard, find connection and support. You can find more information about Anat on her website: www.anatkelerstein.com

Jewish Queer Trans Folx of Vancouver Society (DBA JQT Vancouver) is hosting its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, February 4, 2024 @ 5-6PM PST on Zoom.

JQT has a membership plan. One needs to be a member in order to vote at the AGM. Suggested donation is $18. Payment is not required and is sliding scale, but collecting your email is required. Please refer to our Mission & Policies.

Please RSVP here with your name and email address by end of day on Friday, February 2, 2024. Only registrants will receive a Zoom link and agenda in advance of the meeting.

Want to join the JQT Board? Please apply here by end of day on Friday, February 2, 2024 for your nomination to be included in the agenda package. Nominations will be accepted from the floor upon presentation to membership.

The goal is to have an intergenerational and diverse Board comprised of experienced Board Members and those wanting to gain such experience. Transfer of skills and institutional memory are  very important to us, so that future generations have the skills to help JQT for many years to come!

Learn more about our existing board and volunteers and view our JQT 2023 Annual Report!

We look forward to seeing our JQT community grow!

For more information, please email info@jqtvancouver.ca

🧺WHAT: Bring your own dinner, beverages, and picnic blanket, for a dinner under the beautiful Or Shalom sukkah! Wave the lulav (bouquet of funky fronds) and etrog (weird lemon) if you’re feeling like it! Sukkot is about bringing in the new Jewish year by gathering in nature, enjoying the harvest with one another, and extending radical hospitality to the stranger.

🕒WHEN: Saturday, September 30th, event starts at 7pm, done by 10pm

🌿WHERE: Or Shalom, 710 East 10th Avenue (corner of 10th & Fraser), under the sukkah in the backyard, or inside the social hall if it rains

🌟WHO: All are welcome, JQT regulars and newcomers alike, whether 2SLGBTQIA+, Jewish, curious, friends, or all of the above!

***

🅿️TRANSPORTATION: The #8 bus stops on Fraser between 10th and Broadway. The #9 and #99 both stop at Broadway and Fraser. There are good sidewalks on all of the streets near Or Shalom. There is a covered bicycle rack under the Or Shalom stairs. Unlimited free street parking is available on Fraser and on 10th.

♿BUILDING & SUKKAH ACCESS: The sukkah (booth) is in the backyard, which is a grass surface with some small elevation changes, accessed through a sidewalk gate on 10th. The social hall and two single-user, all-gender washrooms are on the ground floor, accessible by the backyard or stairs just inside the gate. There is another washroom on the upper floor, accessible via the wheelchair ramp off of Fraser Street. The floors are connected by indoor stairs but not by elevator.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🌞Vancouver Pride Parade is coming up on August 6, 2023 from 12-3PM!

🥇Last year, JQT made history as the first Jewish queer trans nonprofit to march at Vancouver Pride! Now it’s TRADITION!

✡️The Jewish community is welcome to march under JQT’s banner and to sign up to volunteer at our booth (on August 5+6). JQT artists are welcome to do a shift too!! More details in the links beloooow...

⭐Signup to march with JQT in the Vancouver Pride Parade!
https://forms.gle/B3oXYCxnJV4zneXq9

⭐Signup for Artist/Volunteer Shifts at the JQT Pride Booth!
https://forms.gle/wo3thT72dbhBPGkA7

♿There is a new, more accessible route, and festival location this year. For more details: https://www.vancouverpride.ca/faq

💰We are in the middle of our annual fundraising campaign. Can you help us reach our $7500 goal by donating $36 today?
🔗https://app.kambeo.io/group/jqtvan/donate
📧etransfer to donate@jqtvancouver.ca

Thank you in advance for supporting your local Jewish queer and trans non-profit!

UPDATE: This event is sold out!! Only ticketholders will be allowed into the event, as we are at maximum venue capacity. Thank you for your understanding.

***

*THE SHABBOS QUEEN*, A Queer, DIY & Dreamy Shabbat Dinner Delight & Extravaganza hosted by Stuart B Meyers, is coming to Vancouver on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 7PM PST

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://chutzpahfestival.com/2022/shabbos-queen

Tickets are $36 per person and include the ritual-performance and dinner (“the whole shebang!”). Only 70 tickets available! Please note that tickets are non-refundable except in the case of COVID-19 illness or self-isolating. Limited sliding scale tickets available for those who reach out to info@jqtvancouver.ca

***

Part ritual, part drag show, a five-course vegan meal, and a sparkling communal gathering, *THE SHABBOS QUEEN* is a new, queer take on a deeply meaningful Jewish ritual: Shabbat. With inspirations ranging from Barbra Streisand to Kabbalah, *THE SHABBOS QUEEN* creates a sweet and kind-of sexy stop from the fast-paced world. It's an everybody-welcome evening for unwinding, dreaming, and togetherness, offering a taste of paradise. The evening itself is around 3 hours long, ending in a dance party that can last as long as guests are dancing.

Originally funded by the Berlin Senatsverwaltung fur Kultur und Europa in 2017, *THE SHABBOS QUEEN* has so far been presented in Amsterdam, Berlin, Boston, Brooklyn, Krakow, Miami, Philadelphia, Tel Aviv, and soon Vancouver!

Created & Hosted by: Stuart B Meyers
Developed with love by: Maxwell McCarthy & Laurie Young
Costume by: Claudia Hill
Project Manager: Mimi Abrahams

Presenting Organization: JQT Vancouver
Community Partners: Chutzpah! Festival & Or Shalom Synagogue
Caterer: Planted Love / Kosher Experience

***
ARTIST BIOS

Learn more about Stuart B Meyers:
https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-wall-of.../stuart-b-meyers

Learn more about Mimi Abrahams:
https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-wall-of.../mimi-abrahams

***

WHO ARE WE?

JQT Vancouver is a volunteer-run Jewish Queer and Trans arts, cultural and educational non-profit dedicated to queering Jewish space and ‘Jewifying’ queer space.
www.jqtvancouver.ca

Chutzpah! Festival is an annual festival of world-renowned dance, music, theatre, and comedy, through a lens of Jewish experiences, stories, and values in all their richness and diversity.
www.chutzpahfestival.com

Or Shalom Synagogue is Vancouver's East-side shul – a Jewish spiritual community affiliated with ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. Creative, egalitarian, traditional and participatory.
www.orshalom.ca

***

Covid policy - JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Vancouver Coastal Health and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.

Accessibility info - All are welcome to attend this event whether they be 2SLGBTQIA+, Jewish, Jew-ISH, Jew-curious or friends! Programming will take place in both the sanctuary and in the social hall. There are stairs to the main entrance and inside the synagogue between these two spaces. There is wheelchair accessibility around the outside of the building. If you need assistance, please email info@jqtvancouver.ca well in advance! There is an all genders washroom upstairs and an accessible washroom downstairs. There will be alcohol, food, lights, music and dancing - this is a show!!

Our work takes place on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

JQT Vancouver is honoured to be invited to participate in Planning With Pride, a 3-day conference organized by Rainbow Resource Centre!

Stay tuned for more details of our upcoming panel, "Obligation to Memory", on November 3 at 1:45-4PM PT / 4:45-6PM ET!

We'll be sharing our experience putting together "The BC Jewish Queer & Trans Oral History Project" and advocating through our "JQT Seniors Initiative" 🙂

Learn more and register here: https://pheedloop.com/planningwithpride/site/home/

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This November 1 - 3, Rainbow Resource Centre is hosting Planning With Pride, a three-day, national virtual conference for 2SLGBTQ+ older adults and those who care for them. Practical workshops, leading research, and the latest resources to inspire and inform fulsome strategies; featuring 45 speakers, 30+ breakout sessions, networking opportunities– oh, and an exhibit hall filled with resources. To learn more about in-person group viewings near you and low/no cost options for seniors, contact PWP@rainbowresourcecentre.org

JQT will be hosting a super casual OUTDOOR artisan market in Or Shalom's Sukkah on Sunday, October 16 from 3-6PM to promote local Jewish queer trans creatives!

Drop by, peruse the merch, shake the lulav🌿, admire the etrog🍋, relax and hang out with JQTs - it's Sukkot after all!!

There is no Jewish holiday without food, so bring something to nosh on and share, BUT PRETTY PLEASE bring your own plate/utensils/cups (these will NOT be provided).

This event is weather dependent, as the sukkah is open to the starry sky! So bundle up, bring a thermos of your fav teeeeeaaaa, and bring a blanket!!!

WHO IS TABLING (so far)?

🌠Azra Silverstein - you may remember Azra from our Jewitch Passover Seder! Drop by for a special sukkot/harvest tarot spread. Follow on IG @tarot.by.azra

🌠Retrophiliac - you've definitely seen Margaux's work on everyone and everything! Stock up on communication, neurodivergent, pride and pronoun pins. See their full merch here: https://shopretrophiliac.com/

🌠JQT - we've got JQT T-shirts and Return of the Jewdi Stickers designed by The Non-Binary Stranger, Enby pins by JQT Dream Team member Morgan Strug, tsumami-zaiku flowers by JQT Founder Carmel Tanaka, and adoooorable knitted slippers for babies, youth and adults in various pride flag colours by Carmel's mother Dalia!

WANT TO TABLE?

Are you a Jewish queer trans artist in town? If sooooo, please send an email to info@jqtvancouver.ca with link(s) or pics to your products/service, and JQT will get back to you to confirm your participation. There is no fee to table. If you would like to donate a portion of your proceeds to JQT, we would warmly welcome that, but it's not required! You are fully responsible for packing in and packing out, protecting your goods, and collecting payment for your goods.

Or Shalom Synagogue has generously donated use of their sukkah for JQT to host this event. We can use their tables, chairs and accessible washroom too. THANK YOU!

COVID-19 POLICY:

🦠JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Vancouver Coastal Health and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.

WHO ARE WE?

🏳️‍🌈JQT Vancouver is a volunteer run Jewish Queer and Trans non-profit dedicated to ‘queering’ Jewish spaces and ‘Jew-ifying’ queer spaces. www.jqtvancouver.ca

📍Our work takes place on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

View the full photo album on Facebook here!

Vancouver Pride Parade & Sunset Beach Pride Festival are coming up on July 31, 2022!

JQT will be marching for the first time and boothing for the second time!

The Jewish community is welcome to walk under JQT’s banner. Please register here to sign up to walk with JQT in the parade: https://forms.gle/JT2LfJpijpt8gUSB6

The Jewish community is also welcome to volunteer at JQT’s booth. Please register here to sign up as a volunteer at JQT’s booth: https://forms.gle/qi2NMqkKh22bAJUu8

Thank you in advance for supporting your local Jewish queer and trans non-profit!

All donations can be made here: https://app.kambeo.io/group/jqtvan/donate or via etransfer to donate@jqtvancouver.ca

INTERFAITH PANEL with Angit Kaur Modaher, Carmel Tanaka and Rev. Clare Morgan

Our Stories: Interfaith stories of diversity and inclusion

In this session, our panelists will look ahead at what trends and movements they see evolving in society, the church, and faith communities towards full inclusion and participation of LGBTQ2+ people. This diverse panel will discuss their own experiences, how they are advocating for awareness and change, and their hopes for the future.

Read more about each panelist at https://spiritpride.org/

We are excited to join in celebration of Pride Month for two Cross Cultural Queer & Trans Walking Tours on June 19 & 26, 2022 from 2-4:30PM with representatives from Queer Arts Festival, Massy Books, Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods, JQT Vancouver, Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall, Sher Vancouver, Forbidden Vancouver’s The Really Gay History Tour, and diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ community voices!

Buy tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/vancouverheritagefoundation/705115/

UPDATE: "Bridging Water Rituals" in partnership with Queer Mikveh Project and Edot Midwest has been cancelled. All those who donated will be refunded. Our apologies. There is still time to register for JQT's May 15th event Queer Jewish Languages at and to submit your Jewish queer and trans art to our JQT Wall of Artists!

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JQT Vancouver, Queer Mikveh Project, and Edot Midwest Regional Jewish Diversity and Racial Justice Collaborative invite you to a virtual mikveh in celebration of the 3rd annual JQT Heritage Month!

We will come together for accessible embodied practice, music & song, poetry, and creative celebration of queer Jewishness through ritual water immersion. Folks can join from their bathtub or with a cup of tea or vessel of water to drink in your mikveh. This event will be ASL interpreted and captioned, so as to make it as accessible as possible for all members of our communities.

Free registration or by donation: https://bridgingwaterrituals.eventbrite.ca

Previous virtual mikveh events have drawn over 200 international registrants from Australia, UK, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Hawaii and throughout Turtle Island. We had collaborators lead us in song, share a creative land acknowledgement, perform poetry, lead us in a somatic exercise, and a meditation that included reflection and intention-setting. We then recited the mikveh blessing together. Attendees and collaborators were able to perform this ritual in whatever way felt right for them. Looking forward to seeing you for our JQT Heritage Month edition!

This is a recording from the 3rd annual JQT Heritage Month's QUEER JEWISH LANGUAGES in partnership with The HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project on Sunday, May 15, 2022 featuring:

• Eyal Rivlin - Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Hebrew, University of Colorado, Boulder and Co-creator of The Nonbinary Hebrew Project

• Nesi Altaras - an editor of Turkish Avlaremoz and Ladino revivificationist in Montreal

• Faith Jones - a librarian, translator, and researcher of Yiddish culture in Vancouver

• Grace Elizabeth Dy and Ellen Perleberg - co-principal investigators of “Yallah Y’all: The Development and Acceptance of Queer Jewish Language in Seattle”

• Yosef Jay Nemanpour - a Persian-Iranian graduate intern at JQ International in Los Angeles

• Moderated by Carmel Tanaka - Founder & Executive Director of JQT Vancouver

Participants enjoyed 40-min panel discussion on how each of our guests are ‘queering’ their respective Jewish languages, followed by a 20-min mini lesson with a guest of their choosing to learn a few queer Jewish terms and/or grammar!

The HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project promotes research on, awareness about, and engagement surrounding the many languages spoken and written by Jews throughout history and around the world. www.jewishlanguages.org/jewish-language-project