LGBTQ+ Community
Year-Round Pride
At JCC Greater Boston, one of our fundamental values is Belonging, deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of B’Tzelem Elohim: That Everyone Was Created in the Image of God. This principle guides our mission to welcome and treat every individual with dignity, kindness, and respect. We celebrate diversity and strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone. Our commitment to being an open and accepting community extends to all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. We believe that every individual deserves to feel valued, respected, and included, and we work diligently to ensure our spaces and programs reflect these values.
Whether you are a long-standing JCC member or a first-time visitor, we strive to create an environment where you feel at home and connected to our vibrant community. Our commitment to Belonging ensures that we provide inclusive programs, events, and services that reflect our dedication to diversity and inclusion. We aim to foster a sense of connection for all, making JCC Greater Boston a place where everyone can truly thrive and feel part of our family.
Community Resources
We understand the importance of collaboration in fostering a supportive and inclusive community. We actively partner with local LGBTQ+ organizations to develop and implement a variety of programs and support groups tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. These partnerships enable us to leverage the expertise and resources of our allies, ensuring that our initiatives are impactful and relevant. Together, we offer a range of community support groups, educational workshops, and social events that provide safe spaces for connection, empowerment, and mutual support. By working hand-in-hand with LGBTQ+ organizations, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Greater Boston PFLAG
A Jewish organization in the Greater Boston area dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for parents and caregivers to navigate their family’s identity development. PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Together with PFLAG, we’ve launched a monthly support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth. A safe space to support one another, this initiative has PFLAG-trained facilitators linking participants to a variety of helpful resources. Check out our upcoming events to attend the next one!
Keshet
Keshet is a national organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ equality in Jewish life. Founded in 1996, they place a significant emphasis on youth empowerment, offering a variety of programs and resources for queer Jewish youth. These include LGBTQ+ and Ally Teen Shabbaton retreats, online programming, and a youth zine.
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life, equipping Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities. JCC Greater Boston has collaborated with Keshet for many years on programs for queer families all over the area, and is proud to call them a valued partner!
OUT MetroWest
OUT MetroWest is a youth-focused organization dedicated to affirming LGBTQ+ identities and creating supportive spaces. They currently run more than a dozen youth meetings per month out of our hub in Framingham, plus online programming and satellite events around the MetroWest region. Each year, they directly serve more than 300 youth and engage hundreds of additional people of all ages through our LGBTQ+ trainings and community events.
JCC Greater Boston’s connection with OUT MetroWest has been integral in creating some of our most popular LGBTQ+ events, the Purim Drag Story Hour and our PJ Library Queer Family Kickball game!
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS)
JBBBS’s LGBTQ+ program pairs LGBTQ+ youth with LGBTQ+-identifying mentors (21+) who can uniquely empathize and support them through similar lived experiences. These mentors serve as role models, aiding in identity development and resilience, and helping youth explore strategies to overcome stigma and bias.
JCC Greater Boston is proud to support and promote JBBBS’s mission of creating an inclusive, supportive, and joyful community. JBBBS families are always welcome at our LGBTQ+ family events and support group!
JBBBS is actively recruiting both adult LGBTQ+ mentors and LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 6-18 who are interested in participating. If you or someone you know would like to participate, head over to their website to see how you can get started.
Family Events
If you’re looking for fun, gender-expansive activities for the whole family, we have you covered. JCC Greater Boston and our partners run year-round events across the Greater Boston area for children of all ages, creating safe spaces to make new friends and try new things in an inclusive environment. Take a look at our upcoming events below — we can’t wait to see you!
Meet the Team
LGBTQ+ Family Connector
Samantha Doucet
LGBTQ+ Family Connector
Samantha is a dedicated LGBTQ+ family connector in the JCC’s family engagement and Jewish life department. She is dedicated to fostering connections within the queer Jewish community and has extensive experience in creating programs and opportunities for families, youth, and adults who identify as LGBTQ+ or gender-expansive.
With her background as an educator and clinical social worker, including experience in the New York City public school system and various community-based non-profits, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies and French Studies from Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Education from Brooklyn College, and a Master’s of Social Work from Hunter College.
Samantha is an active member of the LGBTQ+ community and lives in Metro North with her wife, two children, two cats, and dog. She is committed to promoting inclusivity and providing support for the LGBTQ+ community through her work and personal life.
