JQ international holds many unique and exciting events yearly.

“Out of Iran and Out of the Closet” ­ An open panel discussion with Iranian LGBTQ and parents to raise awareness and visibility of the Iranian LGBTQ community.
This panel took place in the city council chambers at the West Hollywood Library, and was considered a huge success. People came together from all walks of life to discuss what it meant to be Iranian, Jewish and a member of the LGBTQ community. The event was moderated by Mastaneh Moghadam, a licensed clinical social worker with deep roots in the Persian community, and featured guest speakers Shervin Khorramian, gay activist and board member of JQ International; Arya Marvazy, gay activist and manager for Talent Recruitment and Professional Development at Hillel International; Sepideh Tehrani, parent and Lesbian activist; Shabnam Paidar, Lesbian Activist; Roya Kianmahd, parent and activist; and Roxana Soltanzadeh, transgender activist. The panel was the first of its kind, and organizers were thrilled with the turnout. The event was standing room only, showing encouraging curiosity, maturity and readiness within the community to talk about issues that in the past had been considered too taboo.

“Norooz LGBTQ Persian New Year!”
One of the more fun and social events, the Norooz party held at The Spice Affair in
Beverly Hills brought together members of the Persian LGBTQ community and those who love them. The party allowed those not familiar with Norooz to learn from their Iranian friends, and celebrated diversity within the Jewish LGBTQ community.

“Rooftop Sukkot Brunch”
An opportunity for LGBTQ Jews to partake in the festivities of Sukkot together, on the
rooftop of Temple Kol Ami. This event was a partnership with Temple Kol Ami’s 20s and 30s collective, Kol Atid, and brought the community together over bottomless mimosas, bagels, and lox.

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