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 my most potent memories of queer Jewish joy happened while I was attending a youth retreat with Keshet (an organization at the forefront of queer Jewish activism and community building). I was prompted to write a blessing for another retreat participant. I wrote out a blessing for the sweet person that was assigned to me while they wrote one for me. We bonded over our shared love of theatre (truly, the most queer Jewish thing), and they gave me a blessing written down on a little index card that I keep in my room now. This moment stayed with me because it felt so sacred for us to bless each other, as a Jewish vehicle to gain affirmation.
Queer and trans people in our world deserve many blessings!
