JWA is dedicated to expanding and transforming the historical narrative by restoring Jewish women and gender-expansive people to their rightful place. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, nonbinary, and intersex people have always been part of Judaism and active in Jewish communities, but these stories have historically been hidden, denied, or marginalized. Over the last several decades, LGBTQ+ Jewish activists have created tremendous change in many parts of the Jewish world, even in the face of resistance and backlash. We invite you to use this question set to share your own story or to interview an LGBTQ+ person in your life.  

JWA is proud to partner with Keshet, an organization working for the full equality of LGBTQ+ Jews and their families in Jewish life, to bring you this question set. Responses, along with any permission restrictions you indicate, will be shared with Keshet.   

Note: In the questions below, we use "LGBTQ+,” but you are warmly invited to substitute the term that is right for you or your interviewee.

• What were some of your formative experiences as an LGBTQ+ Jew?  
• As a Jewish LGBTQ+ person, in which spaces or moments do you feel these identities are most fully embraced? In which spaces or moments do you feel your identities are not fully embraced or integrated? 
• Are there Jewish texts, rituals, or practices that have been particularly meaningful to you as an LGTBTQ+ person? 
• Are there aspects of your gender and/or sexual identity that have enriched your relationship to Judaism? Are there aspects of your Jewishness that have enriched your relationship to your gender and/or sexual identity? 
• What are the biggest changes you've seen in Jewish communities' relationships to their LGBTQ+ members over the past few decades? What changes do you think still need to happen? 
• Are there any role models you look to for inspiration? (Biblical, historical, contemporary, fictional...?)