Episodes

  • The Story of JQT Vancouver Canada & Carmel Tanaka: Jewish, Queer, and Japanese - Part B

    The Story of JQT Vancouver Canada & Carmel Tanaka: Jewish, Queer, and Japanese - Part B
    Nov 14 2024

    In this follow-up episode, Carmel Tanaka and Michael Ross reflect on the impact of personal ancestry, exploring resilience amid trauma and adversity. Carmel shares insights from her genealogical research and the unique challenges faced by Jewish communities in light of recent conflicts.

    Mentioned in this episode:

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Story of JQT Vancouver Canada & Carmel Tanaka: Jewish, Queer, and Japanese - Part A

    The Story of JQT Vancouver Canada & Carmel Tanaka: Jewish, Queer, and Japanese - Part A
    Nov 14 2024

    In this first conversation, Michael Ross and Carmel Tanaka discuss her role as the founder of JQT Vancouver, a unique non-profit advocating for inclusivity in Jewish queer spaces. They delve into Carmel's identity as both Japanese-Canadian and Jewish, exploring how these intersections shape her activism and community work.

    Introduction to Carmel’s identity, activism, and the creation of JQT Vancouver. Key Themes: intersection of Jewish and queer identities, challenges in Jewish LGBTQ+ community acceptance, current Conservatism vs. liberalism in Canadian Jewish communities.


    Takeaways:

    • Carmel Tanaka emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals within Jewish communities.
    • The intersection of Carmel's Japanese and Jewish identities profoundly influences her activism and community engagement.
    • JQT Vancouver’s mission is to provide a safe haven for queer Jewish individuals to express their identities.
    • The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges of acceptance and representation in Jewish LGBTQ+ spaces.
    • Carmel shares her personal connections to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, enriching her perspective on activism.
    • The podcast underscores the need for nuanced discussions around identity, politics, and community in today's world.

    Links referenced in this episode:

    • jqtvancouver.ca

    Mentioned in this episode:

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Understanding LGBTQ+ Business Types: Friendly, Owned, and Purpose-Driven

    Understanding LGBTQ+ Business Types: Friendly, Owned, and Purpose-Driven
    Nov 14 2024

    Takeaways:

    • The future of queer entrepreneurship looks optimistic, with increasing focus on community and innovation.
    • Understanding the three types of LGBTQ+ businesses helps entrepreneurs strategize effectively for their ventures.
    • Purpose-Driven businesses not only generate profit but also foster meaningful social change within communities.
    • Diversity and inclusion are crucial for creating supportive environments in both businesses and society.
    • Engaging with LGBTQ+ businesses can lead to greater visibility and resilience in the marketplace.
    • The significance of allyship cannot be overstated; it plays a vital role in supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

    Companies mentioned in this episode:

    • Coca Cola
    • Meta
    • Facebook
    • Apple
    • Startout
    • Carlo for Capital
    • Grindr
    • Tinder
    • Pride of Lionesses
    • Hoshen

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    57 mins
  • Mapping the Four Sectors: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Innovators and Leaders

    Mapping the Four Sectors: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Innovators and Leaders
    Nov 5 2024

    In this episode of "Straight Friendly Global" host Michael Ross sits down with Sarit Ben Shimol and Barak Krips to discuss the influential "Four Sectors" model in entrepreneurship and its vital role in understanding business strategy, competition, and cooperation. Michael, a seasoned entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ consultant, emphasizes how this model forms the backbone of his courses, offering a macro view of the entrepreneurial landscape. Together, they explore how this model shapes perspectives on government, private, nonprofit, and social sectors, with a focus on understanding when and how these sectors intersect.

    Barak and Sarit bring valuable insights from their experiences in the nonprofit and digital marketing arenas, showing how sectoral dynamics impact the LGBTQ+ community. Through shared stories and personal reflections, they reveal the challenges and achievements in navigating complex, often conflicting, agendas within these sectors. This episode serves as a foundational guide for anyone interested in changemaking, especially within the LGBTQ+ context, highlighting the importance of strategic vision in fostering impactful, lasting initiatives.


    Note: This and other episodes on LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship are also available on our YouTube channel, where you can find the slides and visuals discussed in the podcast!



    Takeaways:

    • The podcast highlights the importance of governmental support in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and activism.
    • Sarit Ben Shimon shares her personal journey as a mother of a transgender man.
    • The discussion emphasizes the need for ongoing activism and the fight for rights within the LGBTQ+ community.
    • Both guests stress that creating meaningful change requires collaboration and commitment from all community members.
    • Entrepreneurship within the LGBTQ+ community often stems from personal experiences and the desire to solve real issues.
    • The complexity of identities within the LGBTQ+ community is essential in shaping social progress and representation.

    Companies mentioned in this episode:

    • Hoshen
    • Grindr
    • Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
    • Pride of Lionesses

    Sarit Ben Shimol is a seasoned diversity and inclusion consultant and former CEO of "Pride of Lionesses," an influential organization dedicated to supporting parents of transgender children. As a mother to a young transgender man, Sarit combines professional expertise with a personal commitment to fostering acceptance and understanding within families and communities.

    Barak Krips recently served as the Vice CEO of Hoshen, an organization focused on education and change-making within the LGBTQ+ community. Barak has been instrumental in developing workshops and courses that promote understanding and empathy toward LGBTQ+ identities, helping to shape a more inclusive society through education and advocacy.

    Mentioned in this episode:

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    54 mins
  • Silence Equals Death: AIDS Epidemic through the Eyes of an Activist - Richard Poulin

    Silence Equals Death: AIDS Epidemic through the Eyes of an Activist - Richard Poulin
    Nov 24 2023
    In this emotionally stirring episode of the 'Straight Friendly' podcast, host Michael Ross engaged in a deeply personal conversation with Rick Poulin, a survivor and activist from the daunting era of HIV and AIDS in the United States. The episode offers listeners an opportunity to delve into an intense recount of Rick's firsthand encounters with the deadly disease, unmasking the initial silence and denial that surrounded it, and the widespread fear amongst the community. Exclusively narrated by Rick, the conversation threads through his early activism in the LGBTQ+ alliance, volunteering on the AIDS hotline, dealing with the excruciating pain of losing friends to the disease, and the ultimate importance of outspoken advocates throughout the struggle. Michael Ross and Rick Poulin underlined the importance of speaking out and acting despite adversity, turning the spotlight on the fight against HIV/AIDS and its persisting impact in today’s society.
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    48 mins
  • A Journey from LA to Portugal: Steve Wiseman's Take on Being Jewish, Gay, and an Immigrant

    A Journey from LA to Portugal: Steve Wiseman's Take on Being Jewish, Gay, and an Immigrant
    Nov 24 2023
    In this episode of the 'Straight Friendly' podcast, host Michael Ross engaged in a deep and eye-opening conversation with Steve Wiseman, a Jewish gay man about their varying experiences with antisemitism, prejudice, and the LGBTQ+ communities. They also explore the shared experiences of immigration, adapting to new environments, and the power of community. With Steve having experienced a series of antisemitic attacks in the past, both are deeply affected by these experiences and utilize this platform to share their stories. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of kindness and allyship, stressing that allies are found in diverse groups, and not just those with similar views. They underscored their shared belief in the power of community, supporting each other and standing together in the face of discrimination, prejudice, and violence. From their personal struggles to moving global issues, the conversation serves as an important reminder of the shared human experience and the critical need for empathy, compassion, and understanding in our society.
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    49 mins
  • Unity in Diversity: Spotlight on Jewish Queer Activism - Nate & Matthew

    Unity in Diversity: Spotlight on Jewish Queer Activism - Nate & Matthew
    Nov 23 2023
    Nate Looney is an American Jewish University alum and a social entrepreneur. A US Army veteran and an urban farmer, Nate has a broad range of experience across multiple disciplines. He wears numerous hats such as a diversity strategist and currently serves as the Director of Community Safety and Belonging on the Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) team at Jewish Federations of North America. Having served in the Task Force Gator after Hurricane Katrina and deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Nate brings a wealth of experience in safety, security and critical problem-solving. Presently, he focuses on building community and spearheading change in safety and security, antisemitism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and racial justice. Matthew Nuriel is a member of JIMENA - Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa and serves as their Community Engagement Director. As an activist with Iranian Jewish heritage based in Los Angeles, California, Matthew works relentlessly for numerous causes close to their heart including LGBTQ+ rights, equality within the Iranian and Jewish communities, the fight against antisemitism, and their active support of the Women Life Freedom movement for a free Iran. Furthermore, Matthew is a passionate advocate and a digital influencer who uses social media to amplify their voice around these issues. Besides, Matthew engages with audiences through panel discussions and speaking engagements across the country and has had their articles featured in various publications.
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    55 mins
  • Seeking Hope and Unity in War Time: Insights from Rabbi Eger

    Seeking Hope and Unity in War Time: Insights from Rabbi Eger
    Nov 23 2023
    In this insightful episode of the ‘Straight Friendly’ podcast, hosted by Michael Ross, international Jewish leader and renowned social justice activist, Rabbi Denise L. Eger, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about navigating identity, unity, and hope in troubled times. Rabbi Eger, the founding rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA, and a prominent figure within the Jewish community, recollects her journey of being the first openly gay or lesbian person to serve in her position in the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the first woman to be elected as President of the Southern California Board of Rabbis. Throughout the episode, they delved into the challenges faced by the LGTBQ+ communities, both within and outside the Jewish context. Moving on to discuss the concept of 'Chesed', they touch upon the essence of loving kindness, its importance in maintaining humanity even in the time of the war. The conversation further unraveled the increasing consequences of societal divisiveness, highlighting the need for bridging gaps within the global Jewish diaspora as well as the broader LGBTQ+ communities. Enriched by Rabbi Eger’s experiences and wisdom, the podcast emphasizes the critical need for unity, peace and resilience in the face of adversity.
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    46 mins