WHETHER IT’S A SERIES OF PROGRAMS OR A ONE TIME PRESENTATION, WE’RE SURE YOU’LL FIND SOMEONE FROM THE JQ INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS BUREAU THAT’S JUST RIGHT FOR YOU!
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FEATURED SPEAKERS
RABBI RACHEL BAT-OR
NEIL GOETZ
gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation
marketing executives. In addition to working in the same industry,
we've created and how much more we have to do.
Seder! My struggles with my Orthodox upbringing and yeshiva
My husband of 23 years, Kevin and I are both entertainment
Having watched the world evolve in its understanding of
we also share our Jewish background, in fact, we met at a Passover
over many decades, I am able to see both how much change
MIKE/MICHELLE DENNIS
What we say to another creates a world in which to live, to
love and to dream. It is therefore essential that what we say offers the best of us and calls forth the best in others!
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ROBIN GURSE DENNIS
An expert in fear and courage, I empower youth and their parents to take healthy risks.
ASHER GELLIS
As a teen I dreamed of seeing myself reflected in a strong,
gay, Jewish role model. Now when I speak to groups, I am honored to be that role model for the next generation.
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education inspired me to become involved with JQ International.
ANNA GOODMAN
I want to be the LGBTQ Jewish role model for teens that I wish I had when I was their age.
DAVID KAZDAN
I was too gay for girls and not gay enough for boys. The complications of dating as a bisexual man.
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FEATURED SPEAKERS
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DANI KOLLIN
As a parent I couldn't understand why love wouldn't trump
sexual orientation - until I heard countless heartbreaking stories that it didn't. I aim to help change that.
DEBORAH ENGEL KOLLIN
Since my child came out at 12, I've dedicated myself to ensuring that they and all members of the LGBTQ community
are welcomed and included in all aspects of Jewish life.
YONI KOLLIN
I want everyone to feel that they're safe to be themselves and that they're perfect just the way they are.
ARYA MARVAZY
I grew up believing there was no one else shouldering my
struggle of being Persian, Jewish, and gay! Finally out, I'm
eager to share my journey and help others on theirs wherever they may be.
MARIUM MOHIUDDIN
I am a Muslim ally, passionately committed to interfaith work and creating bridges between communities. Originally from Texas, I've worked with LGBTQ+ organizations from a young age and am proud to be a dedicated JQ volunteer.
LAURIE TRAGEN-BOYKOFF
I am an ally with a particular interest in the issues and
challenges faced by transgender people. Having worked
personally and professionally with the LGBTQ+ community,
my lifelong goal is to help others broaden their perspective.
CAROLYN WEISS
I am a passionate speaker, knowledgeable about transgender
issues. I love to share my story and my knowledge with willing audiences and make a difference in the world.
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Rabbi Rachel Bat-Or, MFT, has been a spiritual leader, therapist, and teacher for over 35 years. Photo by: Lex Britt
She is currently the Director of the JQ International Support Services, which offer help for LGBTQ Jews and their allies. In that role she responds to daily calls and emails from throughout the United States and as far away as Algeria, Morocco, and the Ukraine. She trains volunteers, as well as maintaining an extensive database of resources and social service referrals. Since 2014, Rabbi Rachel has presented LGBTQ Inclusion Trainings to over 30 organizations in the Los Angeles area. Along with directing the JQ Helpline and offering LGBTQ Inclusion Trainings, Rabbi Rachel also directs JQ’s Speakers Bureau. Before joining JQ, Rabbi Rachel served congregations in Berkeley and Tustin, CA and Macon, GA. She has been published in the Journal of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Rachel created and taught the Seven Steps to Healing® model specifically designed for people who have suffered from trauma.
RABBI RACHEL BAT-OR Director of the JQ Helpline and Inclusion Services
J EW I SH & LGBTQ INT E R S EC T IO NS
COM I NG OUT STORY
• Helping the Jewish community make room for LGBTQ Jews
• After trying to come out twice at 13 and 18, I finally came
• Going from a nice Jewish girl to a not-so-nice Jewish lesbian
out at 31 but I didn’t find a Jewish home for 14 more years
• How not finding a Jewish queer home until I was 45 took
• My evolving understanding of my gender identity
away my ability to learn about my religion
TEASERS PA SS I O N S
• Older queers and how we’ve helped the LGBTQ progress
• Learning and teaching – especially about Judaism
• How we’re seen and treated by the younger LGBTQ community
and social justice
• On being a lesbian mom raising a son
• Helping myself and others to heal
• We need the Jewish community. The Jews community needs LGBTQ Jews. • How to heal from the pain of bullying and exclusion from families, friends, and our Jewish community
Photo by: Lex Britt
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MI K E /M I CH E L L E DE N N I S JQ Speakers Bureau Trainer
Mike/Michelle is a transgender activist and sought-after public speaker. For 35 years, she held many public service positions, including Director of Finance for the city of Santa Monica, a position she held for 20 years. She is a Certified Public Finance Officer and has taught public budgeting and finance for 13 years at the UCLA Luskin Graduate School of Public Affairs. She also taught public policy analysis at USC and in Brazil. She currently serves as the treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and of her church. She was a volunteer mentor at a social service agency on Hollywood Boulevard that serves older homeless youth. She is also a member of the Plato Society of Los Angeles, a peer-led lifelong learning organization.
Photo by: Lex Britt
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ROBI N GUR SE DE N N I S
Robin Gurse Dennis is the “B� in LGBTQ. Once she realized she was sexually attracted to some women as well as some men (at age 18), Robin could never think of herself as straight (nor as lesbian). Robin has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UC Berkeley and a Certification in Family Coaching from Resource Realizations. Committed to clear, clean, open communication that empowers all parties, Robin has coached people for 30 years to take action consistent with their values, commitments, goals, and dreams. She provides the tools to unleash the courage for individuals to take healthy risks when they are stopped by their fears. Currently, Robin provides coaching and workshops to teens and their parents. Additionally, she assists seniors live unencumbered lives by helping them de-clutter and organize their homes. Robin is grateful to her mother for creating a home with Jewish rituals, culture, and, of course, food.
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Photo by: Lex Britt
Asher is an Los Angeles native who grew up as part of Adat Ari El Day School, Camp Ramah, and United Synagogue Youth. He earned a BA in Political Theory from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Prior to launching JQ International in 2004, Asher served as the Regional Director for Hadassah Young Judaea in California, Nevada, and Hawaii. He created curricula for the Builders of Jewish Education in Los Angeles and guided teen scholastic-accredited Israel tours. After earning his MBA, Asher worked in real estate asset management.
AS HER GELLI S Founder & Executive Director, JQ International
JEW I SH & LG BTQ IN T E R S EC T IO NS • I work to strengthen identities of LGBTQA+ Jews through community building programs and services
COM I NG OUT STO RY • At age 23, I ran into my brother at a gay bar. That’s how we each discovered we were gay. Oy Vey!
TEASERS PASSI O N S
• LGBTQ Jewish role models
• Cooking
• Models for inclusion
• Traveling
• Anti-bullying: How I was bullied and how it affected me
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Neil Goetz is an award-winning producer of television and movie advertising. He was the Photo by: Lex Britt
Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Vice President and Worldwide Creative Director for the Samuel Goldwyn Company, and Worldwide Vice President of Creative Marketing for First Look Pictures. Neil now leads two new companies The Engine Room, a strategic creative advertising agency, and BBMG, a film and television production company. Named by Advertising Age one of the Top 100 people in Advertising, Neil’s creative campaigns have been recognized and honored with numerous awards including Clios, Tellys, Art Direction, the Belding, and the Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards. Neil is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
NEI L GOE TZ JQ Board of Governors
JE W I SH & LG BTQ IN T E R S EC TI ONS • Being raised in a traditional Jewish home with
COM I NG OUT STO RY • Coming out to myself in an Orthodox boarding school
struggling with being gay
PASSI O N S • Mental Health • Friendships • Love of all kinds • Travel • Education and learning
TEASERS • Overcoming shame • Building Self-confidence, Empowerment, and Self-love • Creating financial independence to follow your own path • Finding your true self without role models • Finding your unique talents • Being open to new relationships • Learning to effectively communicate with others
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Anna Goodman earned her Bachelor's degree in Science and Communications from Ohio Photo by: Lex Britt
University. She has worked in a variety of fields, ranging from event production and development, media and graphic design, to sales and customer care. In 2014, after a visit to Israel , Anna realized that she needed to feel closer to her Jewish roots.
With JQ
International and the JQSA (Jewish Queer Straight Alliance – JQ's premiere community for LGBTQ+ and ally Jewish teens), Anna has found a way to connect her Jewish and queer identities. She is using her program development experience to
enhance JQ
International’s physical and media presence, strengthen LGBTQ+ inclusion, and provide the Greater LA area Jewish, LGBTQ+ community with positive programing, role models, and voices.
ANNA GOODMA N JQ Director of Programming
JEWI SH & LGBTQ INT E R S EC T IO NS • Feeling comfortable expressing my sexual orientation at Synagogue • Not knowing how my family, congregants, and overall Jewish community viewed homosexuality
COM I NG OUT S TORY • Came out to school friends at 17, immediate family at 18, and extended family progressively throughout college • Struggled in college with peers in sorority because I didn’t fit in or feel comfortable with my personal style and expression
• Feeling pressure from family and loved ones in Jewish community to find a boyfriend and get married
TEASERS PASS I O N S
• Coming out in High School vs coming out in Synagogue
• LGBTQ Inclusion
• Battling the Dress: Discovering your gender and self expression
• Feminism
• Single, Queer, and Living in Los Angeles (How to meet people, make friends, and put yourself out there in a city with too many options)
• Family • Creative expression (i.e., art, clothing, spacial design) • My dog, Etta
• How I Met my Jewish Queer Role Model (and where it led me to today) • “But I’m not Gay!” Why attending a Gay Straight Alliance is important for everyone
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David Kazdan holds a B.A. in Modern Jewish and Israel Studies from California State Photo by: Lex Britt
University, Chico, as well as an M.A. in Israel and Zionists Studies from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. While in graduate school, David created Israel Studies course syllabi currently being used in universities in China. As a member of the BGU donor stewardship team he was responsible for the creation of the Woodman-Scheller educational fund. As a Jewish lay leader in Los Angeles, he has undertaken numerous fellowships under the Birthright Israel engagement umbrella, helping to create pluralistic Jewish communities and foster new personal relationships with Israel.
DAVI D K A ZDA N JQ Development Associate
JEW I SH & LG BTQ INT E R S EC T IONS
COM I NG OUT STO RY
• Lack of Jewish LBGTQ role models
• I told a girlfriend that I was bisexual when I was 17.
• Struggling with Jewish liturgy that
When we broke up, she tried to out me. I didn’t try to
expresses ideas of exclusion
come out again until I was 30.
• Growing up looking to clergy for guidance but being too afraid of coming out to really be honest with my community’s leadership
PA SSI O N S • Jewish Identity education/ensuring a Jewish future
TEASERS • “Too gay for girls, not gay enough for boys,” Dating as a bisexual man
• Personal growth and discovery
• Bisexual shaming in the straight and LGBTQ communities
• Sports
• Coming out in your 30’s
• Food Equity/agricultural production issues
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Dani Kollin is an award winning, advertising creative director and science fiction author. Photo by: Lex Britt
When he’s not pitching products or world-building with his brother, Eytan (and co-author), Dani can be found riding his bike on Pacific Coast Highway or surfing one of the many beaches along its route. Dani has been happily married to his wife, Deborah for over 25 years and together, they're the proud parents of a college-aged daughter and twin high school-aged children.
DANI KOLLI N *
COM I NG OUT STORY • As a parent I couldn’t understand why love wouldn’t trump sexual orientation - until I heard countless
JEW I SH & LG BTQ INT E R S EC T I ONS • One of my sons came out at 12. I wanted him
heartbreaking stories that it didn’t. I aim to help change that.
to have as much pride in his religion as he did in his sexual orientation
TEASERS • Jew Gay? Me Jew! - Creating a quilt of Jewish culture, ethics, and observance with gay pride.
PA SSI O N S • Science • Science Fiction • Politics • Reading • Surfing • Cycling
• You can still be grandparents! Coming to terms with a non traditional family lineage. • Straight bashing - how to keep your child from turning gay pride into straight hate. • What the love? - Why it’s so hard for straight parents to accept their gay kids and what to do about it. • You must even - A parent’s first tepid steps into unfamiliar territory. Lip gloss as rebellion. *Dani Kollin is available to speak with both Deborah Engel Kollin and Yoni Kollin.
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Deborah Engel Kollin is a Los Angeles native and a member of JQ International's Photo by: Lex Britt
Board of Directors. She's been happily married to her husband, Dani, for 25 years and together they are the proud parents of a college bound daughter and twin high school-aged children. Deborah is a professional Educator, currently working at the Westside Waldorf School. Her previous employment included serving as the Director of Operations for The Rabbi Jacob Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am, where she worked for over 13 years.
DEB O RAH E NGE L KOLLI N * Chair, JQ Program and Engagement Board
JEWI SH & LG BTQ IN T E R S EC T IO NS
COM I NG OUT S TO RY
• I believe that every individual is created in
• Since my son came out at 12, I’ve dedicated myself to
God’s own image therefore when my son
ensuring that he and all members of the LGBTQ
came out, I gladly embraced his new identity
community are welcomed and included in all aspect of Jewish life
TEASERS PA SSI O N S
• Being a parent of a gay teen • JQ • Family • Judaism • Reading
• Straight talk - Getting your kids on board with their gay sibling • Jewish Pride - Ensuring that love of Judaism and Gay Pride are not mutually exclusive
• Cooking *Deborah Engel Kollin is available to speak with both Dani and Yoni Kollin.
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Photo by: Lex Britt
Yoni Kollin is from Los Angeles, but was born in Jerusalem. They are a Junior at Hamilton High School within their Creative Arts Community. Yoni came out to their family and friends in the sixth grade and has been involved in JQSA from its founding in 2014. Every summer since eighth grade, Yoni has attended a sleep-away, leadership summer camp for LGBTQ + youth called Camp Brave Trails. They love to nosh and watch Netflix in their free time. Yoni also wants everyone to feel that they’re safe to be themselves and that they’re perfect just the way they are.
YONI KOLL I N *
JE W I SH & LG BTQ INT E R SEC TI ONS
COMING OUT STORY
• I feel comfortable going to my temple being gay
• I came out in 6th grade
• For my Bar Mitzvah project, I chose to support an
• Everyone I know accepted me
organization that works for the full equality and inclusion of all LGBTQ+ Jews
PA SSI O N S
TEASERS
• Graphic Design
• Coming out at 12
• Art
• Understanding gender identity
• Poetry
• Being out as a Jewish teen
• Reading
• Knowing who you are
• Creating
• Discussing common stereotypes
• Nail Painting *Yoni Kollin is available to speak with both Deborah Engel Kollin and Dani Kollin.
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Arya Marvazy is a first-generation American, born to Iranian-Jewish parents in what has been affectionately referred to as Tehrangeles, CA. Arya earned his B.A. in Psychology from Photo by: Lex Britt
UC San Diego and M.A. in Organizational Behavior from New York University. He has spent the majority of his career within the non-profit Jewish communal sector and is involved in a variety of organizations including JDC (the Joint Distribution Committee) Entwine, The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Masa Israel Journey, and 30 Years After. He has always been passionate about LGBTQ equality, education, and advocacy work and helped to create the 'Keshet-Hillel Guide for lnclusivity' for professionals and student leaders well before having come out of the closet himself. Most recently Arya has been working to expand LGBTQ+ advocacy work within the Persian community in Los
ARYA MARVA ZY
Angeles. He is passionate about travel and exploring foreign cultures and languages.
JQ Assistant Director
JEW I SH & LGBTQ INT E R S EC T IONS
COM I NG OUT STORY
• I've worked in the Jewish world for over ten years
• I grew up believing there was no one else shouldering my
finding my true identity as both Jewish and gay
struggle of being Persian, Jewish, and Gay! Finally out, I'm eager to share my journey and help others on theirs wherever they may be.
PASS I O N S
TEASERS
• Travel
• Minority x 3: Living My Truth as a Gay Persian Jew
• Relationship building and networking
• Living Your Truth, Finding Your Voice
• Engaging with different cultures
• How Judaism Embraces Whoever You Are
• Anything having to do with hikes, beaches, and sunsets
• Jewish Responsibility to Repair the World
• Family
• Equal but Different: LGBTQ Identity and Realities
• Pushing boundaries ;)
Around The World
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Marium F. Mohiuddin has worked in communications and publishing for the past 15 years. Photo by: Lex Britt
After receiving her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, she joined the staff of the Austin American-Statesman as an editor in the Features department. In addition to newspapers, Marium has worked for several nonprofit communications teams including the American Heart Association and the Muslim Public Affairs Council. In 2015, Marium opened her own boutique firm, Pracca, Inc., a consultancy that focuses on nonprofits. She is an active community leader in the Los Angeles interfaith scene, where she serves on eight boards, dedicating her time and professional expertise to bringing people together.
MARI UM MOHI UDDI N
JEW I SH & LG BTQ INT E R S EC TI ONS
COM I NG OUT STORY
• As a Muslim ally, I love that JQ has been able to blend
• Although I am not LGBTQA, I’ve borne witness to
being Jewish and LGBTQA. It not only gives me hope for
numerous friends’ stories and am sympathetic to the
the Muslim community, it inspires me for the
effects of exclusion in their lives
Jewish/Muslim community as well.
PASSI O N S
TEASERS
• Social justice
• Interfaith - Muslim/Jewish relations
• Social media
• Social justice through social media
• Communications
• Standing up for one another
• Nonprofits
• Living through discrimination
• Journalism
• Child of immigrants/first-generation American
• Politics
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Laurie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and works both professionally and personally Photo by: Lex Britt
to address the needs of the LGBTQ community. She is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. She worked for Jewish Family Services for eight years, providing child abuse/exploitation prevention and intervention services and has provide clinical and advocacy skills for twenty years to other vulnerable groups. Currently, she is the Coordinator of Social Action at Congregation Or Ami, a Reform synagogue in Calabasas where she is also a member, initiating and organizing multiple social justice projects while motivating and encouraging congregants to participate. She is the proud mom of two children.
LAURIE TRAGE N-BOY KOFF
JEWI SH & LGBTQ INT E R S EC T IO NS
COM I NG OUT STO RY
• My first gay friend, Jimmy who taught me about being
• Being Cisgender and Heterosexual, I do not have my
gay and Jewish
own “coming out” story, but I embrace and respect each
• Understanding the damage done to LGBTQ children by
and every story that I have been entrusted to hold
parents and family who reject them • Realizing how much my acceptance meant to LGBTQ people who had been rejected
TEASERS PA SS I O N S
• My first friend, Jimmy, who happened to be gay
• Leading Social Action projects especially on
• Multiple challenges parents face when a child comes out
behalf of foster children
• Beauty of diversity
• Nicky, my Zambian “son”
• All the girls I tried to protect due to ostracism and bullying
• Speaking for those who do not yet speak for themselves • Meaningful and engaging conversations • Animals
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Carolyn Weiss is a retired civil servant with the City of Los Angeles after working in both Photo by: Lex Britt
the Police and Community Development Departments. She transitioned from male to female two years before retirement, having come out to her family two years before that. Carolyn’s workplace transition was a success because the staff received great training from a trans woman. She decided to pay that forward by becoming an activist and helping others in her community.
C AROLYN WE I SS
J EWI SH & LGBTQ IN T E R S EC T IO NS
COM I NG OUT STO RY
• I grew up in a Jewish household and was Bar Mitzvahed,
• I was scared to death of losing my family. Coming out to my
as was expected of me. Because I struggled with my gender
wife and son were the hardest conversations I’ve ever had. But
identity, I lost touch with my faith but have re-connected
they stood by me and we’re still a happy family.
since transitioning.
TEASERS PASS I O N S • Helping those in my community • Sharing my love of science and nature at the Natural History Museum where I’m a docent • Reading, learning, traveling, and food
• Promoting understanding and compassion for transgender people and our struggles • Sharing my own personal story of growth, acceptance, and finding the truth within me • Learning the stories of other people, cultures, and religions • Sharing my love of science and the world around us • Becoming a better person by making a difference in the world