A Queer Perspective on Hanukkah: Fueling Our Light with Authenticity

Every year around this time, the gentle glow of the Hanukkah menorah meets the warmth of community as families and friends come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. It’s a holiday that commemorates a long-ago victory over oppression, when the ancient Jewish community resisted the Seleucid Empire’s attempts to suppress Jewish religious identity. After reclaiming their Holy Temple, they found enough oil to keep the menorah lit for just one day—yet miraculously, that small amount of oil lasted for eight days. This enduring flame became a powerful emblem of hope, resilience, and authenticity.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community looking at the next several years under a new presidential administration, I am reminded of the significance of that lasting light. The story of Hanukkah isn’t just about the miracle of oil; it’s also about the steadfast spirit of resistance: a refusal to become something you are not. Here’s how we can draw modern-day lessons from an ancient tradition and bring a little extra brightness into our lives—no matter what challenges lie ahead.

1. Embrace Who You Are, Even Under Pressure

The historical backdrop of Hanukkah features the Jewish community resisting forced assimilation. They refused to abandon their traditions, practices, and beliefs—even when external pressures tried to reshape them. For many LGBTQ+ people, this rings close to home. We know what it’s like to be told who we should or shouldn’t be, or to hear that our identities don’t fit neatly into someone else’s definition of “normal.”

In a time when policies can shift unpredictably, and certain voices might attempt to curtail our freedoms, we can draw inspiration from the Maccabees’ unwavering resolve. Authenticity might come at a cost, but staying true to ourselves is the surest path to kindling our own inner light.

2. Find Strength in Community

One of the key lessons from the Hanukkah story is that standing together amplifies our power. Whether it’s the small band of Maccabees fighting for the survival of Jewish practice or LGBTQ+ organizers rallying for equal rights, solidarity can turn a spark of hope into a blazing beacon of possibility.

During the Hanukkah season, families and friends gather to light the menorah, play games like dreidel, and share in community spirit. Similarly, we in the LGBTQ+ family rely on chosen family, local support groups, and even online communities to carry us through challenging times. When we show up for each other, we do much more than merely survive; we flourish and celebrate who we are—together.

3. Even the Smallest Light Can Burn Bright

We may feel powerless when facing big changes or uncertain political times. But that’s precisely when the lesson of the oil—a seemingly limited resource that lasted eight days—hits home. Even if we have just a small amount of hope, it can sustain us longer than we ever imagined, especially when shared with those around us.

Think about everyday moments that ignite hope:

• A conversation with someone who affirms your identity.
• A heartfelt message from a friend on social media.
• A moment of self-care or personal victory.
• A neighbor’s supportive yard sign or sticker.

These small acts of love and support can radiate well beyond their initial spark. They remind us that even if our “oil” seems in short supply, its impact can be more significant than we expect.

4. Honor Your Past and Celebrate Your Future

Hanukkah is rooted in history yet focuses on celebrating each day (and night) as it arrives. The menorah lighting grows brighter each evening, reminding us that while we honor the miracles of the past, we are also carrying that radiant spirit forward into tomorrow. It’s a beautiful model for our own lives—recognizing what we have overcome while cultivating hope for what lies ahead.

As the LGBTQ+ community moves through the coming years under new leadership, we carry both caution and optimism. We acknowledge past struggles—whether in Stonewall’s activism or more recent battles for marriage equality—and we use those lessons to galvanize ourselves. The bright spots from our history remind us that progress is possible and that our light can, indeed, outshine the darkness.

5. Share the Light with Others

Perhaps one of the most universal teachings of Hanukkah is the idea of spreading the light to the world around us. We place the menorah by the window so its glow is visible from the street, symbolizing a declaration of joy, pride, and faith in our own resilience. This can be especially profound for members of the LGBTQ+ community who have often been told to hide who they are.

Sharing your light can be as simple as offering words of encouragement to someone who feels lost, educating a friend about inclusive language, or volunteering at a local youth shelter. Each act radiates outward. When we affirm ourselves and others, we push back against any narrative that tries to silence or diminish us.

Happy Hanukkah

Hanukkah’s enduring themes of resistance, resilience, and hope speak powerfully to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly at a time when questions swirl about the next four years and beyond. The miracle of the oil was about much more than brightening an ancient Temple; it was—and continues to be—about shining a light in moments of darkness and carrying on in the face of uncertainty. It’s about staying true to who you are, standing with your community, and letting even the smallest spark of hope burn strong.

May we let the menorah’s glow inspire us to fuel our inner lights with authenticity. May it remind us that, like that single jar of oil, our collective spark can last longer and burn brighter than we might ever think possible. Even when the world might feel ready to blow out our flame, we can remain steadfast in our resistance, radiating hope and celebrating the fullness of who we are—together.

Chag Hanukkah Sameach (Happy Hanukkah) and blessings to our resilient, shining LGBTQ+ family! Let us keep the lights of hope and joy burning bright in the face of any oppression that may come.

By: Rev. Dr. Harold Marrero
Chief Operating Officer

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