Now entering its fourth year, Queer Conversations is a vibrant, safe, and welcoming queer Jewish reading group, and a core program of the Shtiebel community, exploring everything from Talmud to modern fiction, facilitated by Emily McAvan.

Usually meeting on the first Saturday of each month at 2pm, the group is dynamic and continues to grow its programmatic offerings with exciting events and sessions planned for 2026 — including participant-led discussions, our much-loved Queer Seder, and new family-friendly gatherings.

All texts are provided and read together during the session, creating an accessible space for us to unpack and discuss a wide range of Jewish texts through a queer lens. All are warmly welcome — queer folks, allies, families, and anyone curious.

Below you’ll find more information about each event as well as registrations when required.

Please note: times, dates & topics are subject to change

Our upcoming program

Queer Conversations: Creative Writing with Roz Bellamy

We’re excited to introduce our first creative writing workshop as part of our Queer Conversations program at Shtiebel. Join us for an afternoon of personal storytelling, exploring the experiences and perspectives that shape who we are.

About the workshop

In this session, we will explore how to write about our experiences as LGBTQ+ Jews, when doing so has arguably never been more important. We will trial a range of creative methods to find inspiration and get the ideas flowing in a safe and nurturing environment.

About Roz Bellamy

Roz Bellamy (she/they) is a writer, editor and researcher. Her debut memoir, Mood: A Memoir of Love, Identity and Mental Health, explores the intersections of mental illness, Jewish and queer identities, and intergenerational trauma. Mood was shortlisted for the 2024 Young Jewish Writers Award in the Shalom Australia Jewish Book Awards. Roz completed a PhD at La Trobe University in 2022, examining the use of life writing for promoting wellbeing in young LGBTQ+ people.

Participation cost

Participation is ticketed. If cost is a barrier to taking part, please get in touch with us at frontdoor@shtiebel.org.au. We want everyone to feel welcome and able to participate.

Our Regular Program

Queer Seder 2026

Step into the vibrant embrace of our Queer Seder, an inclusive evening meticulously crafted by our dynamic Queer Conversations group.

Delve into the Pesach traditions and rituals of the seder, enriched with additional readings and supplements combined in the Shtiebel Haggadah, all viewed through a queer lens, fostering profound dialogue and understanding.

Whether you identify within the Queer community or stand strongly as an ally, all are warmly invited to partake in this celebration where every voice is honoured and cherished.

Families are warmly welcome to join us for the Seder. We celebrate the voices and energy of the youngest in our community as we retell the story through song and story. While this is not a dedicated children’s Seder, we strive to make the Queer Haggadah & Seder accessible to all, with activities and colouring available to help younger participants engage.

Please register to join us below. We ask that you please RSVP prior to March 30, to help us with catering.
Please email frontdoor@shtiebel.org.au if you would like to attend, but the cost is a barrier for you.

Please join us for our first
Queer Conversations Picnic in the Park!

Location – to be advised closer to the date

BYO – picnic blanket, drinks & a vegetarian picnic dish to share

Shtiebel will provide – picnic games, plates, cups & cutlery

This is a FAMILY FRIENDLY event!

Please encourage your family and friends to join us for an evening of fun games, chatting and havdala.