LGBTQ+ Support Groups and Local Branches

Our support groups are a confidential and affirming space for you to talk about being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and Orthodox+.

Whether you are questioning your identity, thinking about coming out, or figuring out your place in your Jewish community, you are in the right place. Our support groups focus on the intersection of Orthodox Judaism and LGBTQ+ identities. Our community members hold a wide range of religious identities, including Charedi, Chasidic, Yeshivish, Modern Orthodox, formerly Orthodox, Jews by choice or those in the process of conversion, and those exploring religious observance. All spectrums of Orthodoxy are respected at Eshel.

Our support groups serve aduls only – if you are looking for support for LGBTQ+ youth, check our resource library for youth organizations. If you are an Orthodox parent of an LGBTQ+ child looking for support, learn more about our resources for parents.

Virtual Support Groups

All of our support groups provide a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment for exploring our identities.

LGBTQ+ Support Group

This group facilitates Orthodox+ LGBTQ+ Jews from all over the world gathering to connect and support one another.

Facilitators: Ayelet Parness and Monica Sass

Cadence: Monthly, 2nd Monday of the Month

Platform: Zoom

Orthodox+* People of Trans Experience Support Group

This group is open to anyone who identifies as transgender or nonbinary, as well as anyone questioning or exploring their gender identity. Connect with other trans Jews and discuss your experiences of coming out, transitioning, and navigating the Jewish community.

Facilitators: Joshua Avishur

Cadence: Monthly, 3rd Thursday of the month | 9 pm ET 8 pm CT | 6 pm PT

Platform: Zoom

Women’s LBTQ+ Support Group

This group is open to all queer women, including lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women, from all over the world to connect and support one another.

Facilitators: Bracha Fine

Cadence: Weekly, Tuesdays | 9 pm ET | 8pm CT | 6pm PT

Platform: Zoom

Private Discussion Spaces

Eshel hosts a private Facebook group for LGBTQ+ Jews in our community. Eshel also moderates several Whatsapp groups aimed at connecting community members around specific topics. Request to join one or more of our virtual discussion groups.

Check out our other support groups for Orthodox parents or siblings of LGBTQ+ people.

Local Eshel Branches

We facilitate Eshel gatherings in cities across the country! We offer events and programming to build LGBTQ+ community and connection in the areas below. Sign up for notifications for events in your city.

Current Local Branches

Don’t see your city? Learn more about hosting Eshel events in your area!

Check out our calendar of events to see all upcoming support groups, meetups, and events.