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Iranian Jewish Life in Los Angeles: Past and Present

Saba Soomekh, Author

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JQ Impact on Iranian and Larger Community



Under Iran’s current Islamic Republic regime, it is nearly impossible to live comfortably as an affirmed LGBTQ individual. Islamic law finds same­-sex relations to be lawbreaking. LGBTQ representation is practically nonexistent in this country, silencing the voices of LGBTQ individuals, and resulting in high rates of suicide in this subset of the population. The 1979 Islamic Revolution resulted in several waves of Iranian emigration into America. This has resulted in a large population of Iranian Americans in Los Angeles that continues to thrive and grow. While homosexuality has been suppressed for decades under the Islamic regime, many parents that migrated here still fail to understand this concept. As a result, second­-generation Iranian Americans living in Los Angeles typically have a difficult time coming out of the closet and expressing their true sexual identity.

JQ International provides a safe space for Iranian Americans struggling with this identity crisis. The institution seeks to push back against years of discrimination inflicted throughout Iranian history. JQ International also calls attention to the need for Iranian parents to assimilate to the principles of equality in American society. It is difficult for first­-generation Iranian American immigrants to deviate from the strict rules and prejudices formed during life under the Iranian government. The fusion of LGBTQ identity and Persian culture is celebrated through JQ’s International’s annual Norooz party. This party celebrates the Persian New Year, emphasizing Persian identity in the LGBTQ community. The party embraces the values of Persians of all religions.

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