Queers for Economic Justice records

Formed in 2002 in New York City, Queers for Economic Justice (QEJ) was a "progressive non-profit organization committed to promoting economic justice in a context of sexual and gender liberation." As described on its website, its goal was "to challenge and change the systems that create poverty and economic injustice in our communities, and to promote an economic system that embraces sexual and gender diversity." Distinctive among LGBTQI groups at the time in its foregrounding of poverty and class, QEJ introduced different solutions to the national discussion of the queer agenda. On the local level, it spearheaded changes in New York City laws and policies affecting homeless transgender people and gave tangible assistance to the City's queer people in poverty. Its work policies and staff reflected its commitment to being "multi-racial, multi-classed, multi-cultural group of people of diverse marginalized sexual and gender identities, as well as diverse ages, skills, educational levels, backgrounds and abilities."

In 2006, while substantial political effort focused on attaining marriage equality, QEJ brought together twenty-two activists who crafted a report, later signed by hundreds, that pushed for a wider vision. The report, titled Beyond Same-Sex Marriage: A New Strategic Vision For All Our Families and Relationships, became known as the "Beyond Marriage statement." Over time, QEJ published reports on a variety of topics at the intersection of gender, sexuality, and economic justice, offering perspectives on homelessness and housing, economic justice, immigration, drug laws and public health, marriage and other family forms, and welfare. QEJ's major initiatives included community organizing, research and policy development, leadership training, education, outreach, legal aid and advocacy, and community support groups.

Joseph DeFilippis was QEJ's founding executive director. Subsequent leaders were Kenyon Farrow (2009-2011) and Amber Hollibaugh (2011-2014). Jay Toole served as QEJ's founding and only Shelter Director, leading the organization's work relating to housing and homelessness. Among the other LGBTQ, anti-racism, and anti-poverty activists and scholars engaged with the work of QEJ were Ricky Blum Terry Boggis, Ann Cammett, Aine Duggan, Lisa Duggan, Kenyon Farrow, Monroe France, Felix Gardon, Reina Gossett, Richard Kim, Maureen Lane, Ignacio Rivera, Dean Spade, and Jessica Stern.

Due to financial difficulties, QEJ closed in 2014. The organization's projects in the areas of housing and work continue through Jay's House, a shelter non-profit organization in Brooklyn