SUPPORT GROUPS
Grounded in the Jewish prophetic value of Pikuach Nefesh, JQ offers free virtual monthly and drop-in support groups for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies.
JQ Support Groups
January – June 2026
Grounded in the Jewish prophetic value of Pikuach Nefesh, JQ offers free virtual monthly drop-in support groups for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Led by skilled and passionate facilitators, these groups are psycho-educational and provide guidance, education, and support on various issues. Participation in these support groups is not based on a mental health diagnosis. Health insurance will not be billed, and registration is based on a suggested donation of $125 per participant for the series. Donations go directly to the support group facilitators’ payment. If you cannot afford $125, please pay what you can. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. RSVP is required to attend.
Please note, JQ support groups are not a form of psychotherapy nor a replacement for it. If you need referrals to clinical services at any time, contact the JQ Helpline. Unless otherwise specified, all of our support groups are for adults ages 18+.
Please direct questions to JQ’s Director of Support and Wellness, Laura Ticho, Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker ASW 106550.
Crossroads: Making sense of Life's Transitions
Keep an eye out for dates coming out in Fall 2026!
This 4-part psychoeducational series explores how we navigate life’s inevitable changes. It examines the emotional and psychological impact of transitions—such as grief, identity shifts, and systemic barriers—while offering space to reflect on values, purpose, and community. Through a combination of insights, practical coping skills, and interactive activities, participants are guided to understand their own experiences, develop new perspectives, and identify meaningful ways to evolve and thrive amid life’s crossroads. Group content builds off of previous learning and practice each week, so you are highly encouraged to attend each session.
Facilitated by:
Emily Abraham, LCSW
License No. LCSW 110789
Nourish and Nurture Support Group
Select Tuesdays
12pm – 1pm PT on Zoom
June 9, July 21, August 18, September 22, October 20, November 17, December 15
This virtual support group is designed for caregivers of gender diverse youth, offering a structured space to connect, learn, and process alongside others in similar supportive roles. Each session introduces a mental health concept or skill through an LGBTQ+ lens, followed by interactive discussion and practical application. Participants are supported in building knowledge, asking questions, and exploring the thoughts and emotions that accompany caregiving for gender diverse young people.
Facilitated by Emily Abraham, LCSW 110789 (she/her)
Transgender & Gender Diverse Adults
First and Third Tuesday of the month
7:00 – 8:00 pm PT on Zoom
May 19; June 2, 16; July 7, 21; August 4, 18; Sept 8, 22; October 6, 20; November 10, 24; December 8, 22
Offered twice a month!
This drop-in virtual support group is designed for Jewish adults (18+) who self-identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender questioning, and is offered twice a month. The group provides a structured space to explore and process the many dimensions of gender-diverse experience, including shifts in identity, changes in relationship to LGBTQ+ and straight communities, sexual intimacy, and evolving comfort with one’s body, and medical and non-medical transition considerations. Participants are also supported in navigating emotional experiences such as grief, fear, and uncertainty, while connecting with others who share similar lived experiences. Each one-hour session is led by a mental health practitioner and centers on a specific topic to foster meaningful discussion, community, and resource sharing.
Facilitated by Michael Levine, LMFT 162655 (she/they)
Supporting Transgender & Gender Diverse Family Members
Select Mondays
6:00 – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
June 1; July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 14
This facilitated support group is designed for family members and chosen family of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, including parents, caregivers, grandparents, and siblings. Led by a licensed mental health practitioner, the group offers a structured space to ask questions, voice concerns, and process thoughts and emotions that may feel difficult to explore directly with the TGD people in your life. Participants at any level of trans-literacy are welcome, whether newly navigating a loved one’s gender identity or seeking deeper understanding and support. Sessions provide both informational resources and a supportive environment for reflection and community with others in similar circumstances.
Facilitated by Jordan Held, LCSW #99905 (he/him)
55+ and Queer
Select Thursdays
May 21, June 11. July 16, August 13, September 3, October 8, November 12, December 10
7:00 – 8:00 pm PT on Zoom
This monthly virtual support group is designed for LGBTQ+ Jewish adults aged 55 and over, providing a structured and affirming space focused on community building and reducing social isolation. Led by a licensed mental health practitioner, each session includes facilitated discussion and space for participants to connect over shared experiences across the intersections of LGBTQ+ identity, Jewish identity, and older adulthood.
Facilitated by Robert Leeburg, LCSW #104258 (he/him)
Neurodivergent and Queer
Weekly on Tuesdays
Michael Levine, LMFT 162655 (she/they)October 6, 13, 20, 27
7:00 – 8:30 pm PT in person (Mid-city)
This four-session in-person support group is designed for Jewish LGBTQ+ adults (18+) who identify as neurodivergent, with or without a formal diagnosis. Each 90-minute session centers on a specific theme, such as family relationships, taking up space, or community and safety, to support structured discussion and connection among participants with shared lived experiences. The group meets in-person in Mid City Los Angeles and is free to attend. Participants are asked to commit to all six sessions upon registration.
Facilitated by Michael Levine, LMFT 162655 (she/they)
Queer Women and Femmes
Select Tuesdays
6:00 – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
May 12, June 9
This group is designed for Jewish adults (18+) who identify as lesbian, bisexual, or queer nonbinary femmes and/or women. The group offers a safe, inclusive, and intentional space to explore a range of themes such as relationships, taking up space, and building community and safety.
Led by a facilitator with her own lived experience as a queer Jewish woman, each one-hour session focuses on a different topic, fostering meaningful connection and community. Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning, we invite you to come as you are and take part in a supportive and empowering space
Facilitated by: Laura Ticho, Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker ASW 106550 (she/her)
Supervised by: Sam Naimi, LCSW 114391 (he/him)
Queer Jews of Color: A Space for Connection
Select Tuesdays
5:00 – 6:00 pm PT on Zoom
May 19, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, December 15
This facilitated support group is designed for Queer Jews of Color who hold multiple identities and are seeking a dedicated space for connection and mutual support. Many participants find themselves navigating the intersection of these identities across family systems, Jewish communities, queer spaces, and communities of color, often experiencing pressure to compartmentalize or prioritize one aspect of identity over another. The group provides a structured, supportive environment to share openly, feel understood, and build meaningful connections with others who share similar lived experiences, while also making room for ease, pride, and moments of joy alongside the deeper work of identity exploration and community building.
Facilitated by Melody Razi, AMFT (she/her)
Supervised by Sam Naimi, LCSW #114391 (he/him)
Rooted & Rising: United Against Antisemitism and Other Forms of Hate
Select Tuesdays
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1
This monthly drop-in virtual support group offers a structured space for Jewish queer community members to process the emotional impact of antisemitism, discrimination, and other forms of hate. Many participants navigate the weight of these experiences across multiple intersecting identities, alongside an ongoing and often overwhelming stream of difficult information. Sessions provide an opportunity to share openly, support one another, and draw on collective resilience.
Facilitated by Lillian Farzan-Kashani, LMFT #121953 (she/her)
JQ SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS
Mastaneh Moghadam, LCSW
Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
LCSW 23095
Mastaneh's Bio
Mastaneh Moghadam, LCSW., is the co-founder and executive director of the non-profit organization, Cross-Cultural Expressions, in Encino, CA. Mastaneh has worked with the Iranian LGBTQ community for over 15 years, providing therapy to Iranian Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals and their families. In January of 2015 Mastaneh started “We Do Care: Iranian American Parents of LGBTQ” support, advocacy and leadership groups. In July of 2017 Mastaneh collaborated with Raha International in establishing the Iranian- American LGBTQ support and leadership groups. In 2016, Mastaneh was hon- ored with the JQ International Inspiration Award for bringing the Persian LGBTQ community into the forefront, while giving a voice and support to Per- sian parents of LGBTQ children. In 2018, CCE was awarded a contract from Los Angeles Department of Mental Health to conduct a year long campaign focus- ing on reducing stigma’s and providing education on LGBTQ issues within the Iranian community of Los Angeles.
Michael Levine, LMFT
Support Group Facilitator
(She/They)
LMFT 162655
Michael's Bio
Michael (they/them) received their MA in clinical psychology at Antioch University. They are from Oakland, California, and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2007 with concentrations in child psychology and theater. Michael is passionate about Jewish education and speaking out about gender issues, and leads youth groups through a program called Moving Traditions, as well as support and community groups through JQ International. They are also a published author of three books, including one titled, All The Feelings.
Laura Ticho, ACSW
Support Group Facilitator (She/Her)
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker ASW 106550
Supervised by Sam Naimi, LCSW 114391
Laura's Bio
Laura (she/her) is a proud member of the Queer and Jewish communities in Los Angeles. She is deeply passionate about driving positive change within organizations to foster more inclusive spaces and practices for the LGBTQ+ population. Laura’s background includes 3 years teaching elementary special education and 5 years working as a social worker in hospitals, non-profits, and treatment centers. This background has shaped her dedication to providing trauma-informed, person-centered mental health services that focuses on the strengths of individuals and their support networks. Additionally, she is always working to simplify the navigation of resources and eliminate barriers to access through education and transparency. She has a BS in Family and Human Services from University of Oregon and an MSW from Smith College School for Social Work. In her free time, Laura loves to spend time on the floor, whether that is grounding herself through meditation and yoga or cuddling with her 80lb. lab mix, Cysco. She also enjoys any time spent in the mountains, specifically climbing, hiking, or lying in a hammock. On the weekends in Los Angeles, Laura can be found looking for live music or trying a new restaurant in town with her spouse, Justina.
Lillian Farzan-Kashani, LMFT
Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
LMFT 121953
Lillian's Bio
Lillian Farzan is a first-generation American and the daughter of Iranian Jewish immigrants born and raised in Southern California. She grew up with an acute awareness of oppression and inequity from a young age. This awareness developed into a commitment towards advocating for individuals impacted by systemic injustice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Lillian works with people of color, the queer community, and first generation individuals in her private practice in addition to offering workshops on diversity and inclusion. Lillian is a social-justice oriented therapist who serves her community by providing sacred spaces in which clients can come as they are, with their various intersections acknowledged and celebrated.
Melody Razi, AMFT
Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
AMFT 148088
Melody's Bio
Melody Razi is a Persian Jewish Lesbian AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) currently working at Twin Town Treatment Centers-West Hollywood. Melody specializes in addiction services, LGBTQ issues, neurodivergence, and multicultural identities. Melody describes her therapeutic approach as warm, authentic, and curious. Melody uses a variety of therapeutic modalities such as narrative therapy, DBT, and common factors theory. In her free time, Melody is playing video games, doing puzzles or spending time with her spouse and cats.
Jordan Held, LCSW
Support Group Facilitator
(he/him)
LCSW 99905
Jordan's Bio
Jordan Held, LCSW (he/him) is a Private Practice Family Therapist and LGBTQ+ Specialist. Jordan specializes in working with adolescents displaying complex mental health presentations, including suicidality, persistent mood disorders, and acute and chronic PTSD. Jordan is an adjunct clinician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Jordan sits on multiple Board of Directors, serving the LGBTQ+ community nationally. Jordan has worked extensively in secondary school education, developing health and wellness curricula, focusing on DEI and cultivating strength and resiliency for adolescents.
Emily Abraham, LCSW
Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
LCSW 110789
Emily's Bio
Emily Abraham, LCSW (she/her) is an individual and couples therapist in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to her clinical work, Emily provides LGBTQ+ inclusivity workshops for diverse audiences, including clinical staff, parents, caregivers, and teachers. Emily seamlessly integrates various modalities into her therapeutic approach, providing a transformative space for self-expression and growth. Her warm and empathetic style, coupled with a dedication to the LGBTQ+ Jewish community, reflects her vision for a more welcoming and connected world in which mental wellbeing is a shared priority.
Robert Leeburg, LCSW
Support Group
Facilitator
(he/him)
LCSW 104258
Robert's Bio
Currently, Robert specializes in working with members of L.A.’s large and diverse LGBTQ community. Robert and his clients address issues that arise in their personal lives and explore the challenges they face in the struggle for greater acceptance and understanding from society, neighbors, colleagues, and family. Together, they work to empower, communicate, and connect. His other specific areas of expertise include grief and loss, working with survivors of human trafficking, DCFS cases, issues of intimacy and sexuality, and couples counseling.
JQ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate and strengthen queer Jewish life through community building, educational programs, and support services creating a joyful and healthy future for LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones.
© 2018 JQ International. All Rights Reserved.