In June 2023, New Voices published a series of micro-stories about “Queer Jewish Joy”. As hostility toward trans and queer people persists across the country, we can derive strength from the moments that remind us how beautiful it is to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community. As we continue to fight for justice, stories of queer love, laughter, friendship, celebration, spirituality, and chosen family are as important as ever.
One of the things that sparks my Queer Jewish Joy is imagining a future with my partner other couples ask us our story, a la When Harry Met Sally.
“We were high school sweethearts”, we might hear, or the classic “We met at CAMP” tale.
Then I’d glance at him next to me, readjust my smirk and say “we were in the same frat.” And before you ask, it was AEPi. Because… of course.
I used to the think the moment we met was the joy of all joys. And it was for a long time. But I’ve come to realize that we generate that same joy in the moments we share together, over and over again. This emerging life with him has taught me about the art of uncovering joy.
Hillel has also taught me a thing or two about this: knowing when to nurture joy, and when to give it space. I’ve come to believe that joy is a fragile thing, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from putting it back together, time after time.
