After college, I moved back to New York City. I lived amongst the Bukharian people, meaning I was closeted in Forest Hills again, yearning for a role model who would understand what it means to balance these two identities, who could show me it was possible to be a gay Bukharian Jew. Honestly, I didn’t expect the Google search for “gay Bukharian Jew” to turn anything up. I really didn’t. But one thing did: the Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network...It was an incredible discovery — exactly what I needed! A place to be Bukharian, to be Mizrahi, and to be queer...And at their door, I didn’t leave anything behind. Not my queerness, not my gender, not my religion, and not my culture. Though I did kind of have to leave my shoes (it’s a Bukharian thing).”

Before SMQN, I thought pursuing my life as an out gay man meant that I had to leave behind my Syrian Jewish identity because there were no spaces out there for Mizrahi Queer Jews like myself, especially in areas related to religious customs and prayer. I remember attending a Friday night egalitarian service hosted at a member's house. That was the night it hit me that I didn't have to leave that part of my identity behind. That is what SMQN did for me and continues to do for others."

This group has saved my life time and time again. The connections I've made through it, and the connections I've made to myself, my family, and my heritage, are blessings I never could have foreseen…My late father, zichrono livracha, always wanted me to have Jewish friends, and was even happier that I found a community of Sephardi Jewish friends. Through this organization, I was able to find my own way to relate to my culture, and thus, with him.”

As a first-generation Iranian Jewish lesbian, community has always been a vital element in my life—however, usually separated. The SMQN LGBTQ Shabbat dinners build a community where, with others, I'm now able to weave all facets of my identity together, build friendships, and feel at peace through our shared traditions and stories.”

SMQN is my second family. While I am involved in other queer Jewish groups in NYC, SMQN is the only thing of its kind—by and for Sephardic/Mizrahi queers. There is no need to check any part of your identity at the door. It’s nice being able to access Jewish culture without expectation of a certain level of observance. And if you can believe it, despite growing up in one of the densest Sephardic/Mizrahi populations, I’ve never before been part of a Sephardic/Mizrahi community.”

Being a part of SMQN has meant so much to my partner and me. I never could have imagined a place where my identities as a queer, Jewish, and Sephardic woman could come together with such ease. My partner and I often say how grateful we are to experience the warmth of Shabbat while showing up as our whole authentic selves. Thank you to Ruben and the folks who’ve made this possible, it’s truly a blessing in our lives."

I showed up at my first SMQN dinner and found home. I met some of my best friends that night. The monthly Shabbat dinners are truly a time that i look forward to. It’s a safe, warm and supportive space that I'm guaranteed at least once a month. It’s a time to unwind and be my true self, surrounded by people who see me and all of my intersecting identities. I feel as though I found safety, comfort, friendship and family with my SMQN family.”

I am so grateful for the Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network. When I was first coming to terms with my queer identity, I stumbled across their Shabbat dinners online. I could not believe that there was a community group specifically for Sephardic queer Jews – specifically catered to my identity. It felt like a lifeline. To this day, it still does. I have never felt more seen, more loved, and more accepted by any group. Its existence is so important – not just for queer Jews going through their own individual journeys but collectively as a group to show the greater Jewish, Sephardic, LGBTQ+ world that Jews of all backgrounds, orientations, and genders exist.”

SMQN is family, community and love. The support of this community has allowed me to live my life with pride and confidence, which in turn has strengthened and fused my Jewish and LGBTQ identity.”