By Valerie Milano & Juan Markos
Photos THT
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/3/26 – On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, the Impact Awards brought together a vibrant and passionate community at Stephen Wise Temple for a celebration that felt both heartfelt and urgent.
Now in its 22nd year, the annual event continues to spotlight leaders strengthening LGBTQ+ Jewish life while fostering visibility, connection, and belonging across Los Angeles and beyond.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was more than an awards ceremony. A lively brunch, meaningful networking, and a compelling panel discussion created an atmosphere rooted in community, identity, and action.
This year’s honorees included Lindsey Horvath (Leadership Award), Nate Looney (Trailblazer Award), and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback (Allyship Award), each representing a unique contribution to advancing inclusion and equity.
Guiding the conversation was Yona Speidel, whose thoughtful approach grounded the discussion in both lived experience and present-day urgency.
Founder and CEO Asher Gellis brought the room to a deeply personal place, sharing the origin story behind JQ International.
“My goal was to create a space where LGBTQ+ Jews could learn, connect, and thrive,” Gellis shared.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Los Angeles, he spoke about growing up in a joyful Jewish community while quietly struggling with his identity.
“Around age 12, I realized I was different,” he said. “I didn’t fit into expectations, and I spent years trying to understand who I was while feeling alone.”
That isolation became the catalyst for change.
Today, JQ International stands as a powerful response, creating the visibility, mentorship, and community that once felt out of reach.
“We’ve built something where people don’t have to do this alone,” Gellis said. “We’re creating a community that shows up for each other.”
His message carried both pride and urgency.
“It takes courage to be authentic right now,” he added. “But with community, you don’t have to do it alone.”
More than two decades later, he reflected with quiet confidence: “We’ve become part of the fabric of Los Angeles, and we’re continuing to grow that impact for the next generation.”
In an exclusive moment with The Hollywood Times, Speidel echoed the tone of the day:
“It’s a celebration, but also a reminder of the urgency… we need to be seen as the community today.”
That sentiment resonated throughout the room. This was not just about recognition, but visibility and forward momentum.
Horvath brought a grounded philosophy to leadership, rooted in action.
“The first value is to lead by example,” she shared. “I want to show up, represent, and make this matter.”
She emphasized that strategy and values mean little without presence.
“It’s not enough to talk about community,” she said. “The most important thing is to show up and be part of it.”
Her words reflected the spirit of the event: leadership happens alongside the community, not apart from it.
Looney offered a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing readiness and resilience.
“We’re in it… and we’re ready for what’s next,” he said, underscoring the importance of building systems that ensure the community is supported, protected, and empowered.
Rabbi Zweiback brought warmth and authenticity, speaking about allyship as an ongoing commitment.
“It’s not a one-time thing… it’s about building something safe and real together.”
His message captured the essence of the Allyship Award and why his work resonates so deeply.
The Impact Awards have always balanced joy with purpose, and this year felt especially poignant. Conversations reflected both progress and the work still ahead.
At its core, the event supports JQ International’s mission to create a world where LGBTQ+ Jews feel pride, connection, and belonging through programming, education, and support services.
As Pride Month approaches, the energy from the 2026 JQ Impact Awards will extend far beyond this one afternoon. The stories shared and voices amplified contribute to a larger narrative of courage, inclusion, and visibility.
The Hollywood Times will continue its coverage with additional interviews and highlights from this inspiring event.
Because if one thing was clear, it’s this:
Showing up matters. Being seen matters. And building community together matters more than ever.
