🌈LGBT+ Life in Africa: Nigeria

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:This category is for internal use only. Here you can try out whatever you’d like regarding Pre\Post Roll Good Luck!

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.caMentioned in this episode:This category is for internal use only. Here you can try out whatever you’d like regarding Pre\Post Roll Good Luck!

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

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:This category is for internal use only. Here you can try out whatever you’d like regarding Pre\Post Roll Good Luck!

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we delved into a heartbreaking event that unfolded in June 2023, shedding light on the life of Sarit Ahmed, a young woman whose tragic story touches the depths of the human heart. Through intimate conversations with Sarit's close friends and confidants, we gained in-depth insights into her struggles, hopes, and triumphs. As Sarit's story unfolds, we witness her journey to find acceptance and love in a society that often fails to recognize the beauty of diversity. Sarit's close friend shared their memories of her determination, strength, and unwavering spirit. Together, the guest and host provide a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a culture where conformity can often overshadow authenticity. Michael Ross and his guest navigate the complexities of Sarit's life, exploring the depths of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. 'Straight Friendly' aims to create a safe and inclusive space for crucial conversations, fostering understanding and empathy. Through heartfelt anecdotes, thought-provoking discussions, and a commitment to change, this podcast challenges the status quo and raises awareness about the importance of embracing diversity and fostering acceptance, and honoring Sarit's memory toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Part 2 out of 2 wonderful Straight-Friendly episodes about the special field of LGBTQ+ tourism! Last episode was fascinating, and we are eager to share with you the next one!This time we get into the nitty-gritty. After years of gender-normative treatment such as asking the guy for the couple’s order, how should one teach a cruise staff to treat LGBTQ+ customers? Michael and Ed tackle some tough questions about gay travel. Picture this: a legally married gay couple and their two adopted kids jet off to a dream vacation abroad. But uh-oh, the country they visit criminalizes homosexuality. What happens to their legal status? And if one of them ends up in the hospital can his partner visit him? It's a maze of legalities and love, and they're here to navigate it all.So join Straight-Friendly for an enlightening and exciting exploration of LGBTQ+ tourism. From the challenges faced by travelers to the triumphs of personal reinvention, this episode is guaranteed to leave you inspired and ready to embark on your own travel adventures.