2024 JQT TEMPERATURE CHECK

In the months following October 7, 2023, JQT’s Board heard from many JQTs who were, and still are, processing the painful and complex situation evolving in Israel and Palestine. In response, in Spring 2024 we conducted a Temperature Check survey to gauge and record the experiences of queer and trans Jews. This was done in the hopes that the survey would help folks feel heard and responses would help guide our efforts to support JQTs in ways needed at this specific moment in time.

We solicited responses from JQTs with varying perspectives and lived experiences. We heard from folks who are angry, sad, hurt, and who feel isolated from the broader LGBTQ2SIA+ and Jewish communities. We also heard from folks who feel more connected to LGBTQ2SIA+ and Jewish communities post October 7th, - reflecting the diversity we know to make up the big and beautiful group we serve. We acknowledge many of the issues addressed in this survey predate October 7th and have long been experienced by JQTs. The longstanding history of some of these experiences are captured in JQT’s Oral History Project. We also acknowledge the experiences and perspectives not captured in our survey are just as valid, relevant, and true as those documented.

Though survey responses reflected a wide and sometimes oppositional diversity in our community, we did see commonality in the deep pain respondents are experiencing. We acknowledge this pain, regardless (and inclusive) of where JQTs fall on the Israel/Palestine/Zionism/anti-Zionism political spectrum. We feel it too and we see you, hear you, and hold space for you exactly as you are.

Lastly, we thank all 91 respondents for taking the time to fill out this survey and for sharing your experiences openly and honestly.

You can view the report by flipping through the pages of the report directly on this site or click here to view a PDF version of the report.

This report was conducted as part of our JQT Mental Health Support Series.