| Rachael Fried | |
| Birth Place: | United States |
| Alma Mater: | Yeshiva University |
| Occupation: | Nonprofit executive |
| Employer: | JQY |
| Known For: | Queer Jewish advocacy |
Rachael Fried is an American LGBTQ+ advocate, artist, and nonprofit leader, recognized for her work within the Jewish queer community. She currently serves as the Executive Director of JQY (Jewish Queer Youth), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth from Orthodox, Chasidic, and Sephardic/Mizrahi backgrounds.[1]
Fried was raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, in a traditional Orthodox Jewish home.[2] She attended Yeshiva University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Stern College for Women. During her time at Stern College, she served as the president of the student body and was recognized as a Presidential Fellow.[3] Fried furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Community Organizing from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Transdisciplinary Design from Parsons School of Design.[4] Her MFA thesis, "Critical Creature Cards," focused on designing media to facilitate discussions about race and racism between white parents and their children.[5]
Fried is widely recognized for her advocacy work at the intersection of faith and queer identity.[6] She has been a vocal leader in promoting the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ individuals within the Jewish community.[7] Fried has spoken at numerous prestigious conferences and events, including at Harvard Law School,[8] Columbia, Barnard,[9] and NYU.[10]
Fried has written about the high levels of suicidality among LGBTQ teens from Orthodox backgrounds and has advocated for tailored support programs that address the specific needs of these individuals.[11]
In addition to her nonprofit work, Fried is an artist known for her "MonsterHearts" series, which seeks to destigmatize marginalized communities through visual storytelling.[12] Her creative projects often intersect with her advocacy work, using art as a means to challenge biases and promote inclusivity.[13]
Fried has been recognized with several awards for her contributions to both the Jewish and LGBTQ communities. She is a Wexner Field Fellow,[14] a Schusterman ROI Community member,[15] and a Ruskay Institute alum. In 2022, she was honored with the JPro Young Professional Award, which recognizes outstanding professionals in the Jewish nonprofit sector.[16] [17] Fried has been recognized by the Jewish Week as a 36 Under 36[18] [19] and is also on the "36 To Watch" list.[20]