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.

Join us for part 1 out of 2 exciting Straight-Friendly episodes about the fascinating world of LGBTQ+ tourism! Get ready as host Michael Ross sits down with the wonderful Ed Salvato to dive into the details of what makes this tourism so unique and different from regular tourism. Ed is a true travel expert, with a background in applied math, economics, and market research, and he's here to share his insider knowledge and incredible experiences.  We get to hear about Ed’s personal journey to tourism after a highly successful career in a totally different field. In this laid-back conversation, Michael and Ed explore the incredible economic impact of LGBTQ+ tourism. Did you know that US consumers spend a whopping 218,000,000,000 DOLLARS A YEAR on LGBTQ+-friendly travel? That's a lot of love and wanderlust! Ed breaks it all down, giving insights into what makes LGBTQ+ tourism different and how destinations and accommodations can create spaces that are welcoming and safe.Intrigued yet? Press the play button and find out the rest with us!

In this episode, we talk with a famous figure in the ecosystem of LGBTQ+ Tech industry. Patrick Driscoll started his career in international development working with entrepreneurs in Senegal for over 2 years, where homosexuality is illegal. He became there the diversity coordinator and found meaning underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. Now he is the General Partner of "Chasing Rainbows" - a VC (Venture Capital) fund that only invests in LGBTQ+ founders. The episode delves into the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, such as discrimination and the need to remain closeted while raising capital. Patrick emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment where individuals can feel safe and supported in expressing their identities. Patrick highlights how apps like Grindr and platforms like NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) play a significant role in connecting LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering support, and facilitating business opportunities.

Ruti Frensdorff spoke to several experts in an attempt to better understand GLBTQ life in Nigeria.The episode begins with a brief general overview of what makes Africa unique, by Dr. Irit Back, Head of African Studies at Tel Aviv University. We elaborate on the state of LGBTQ life in the continent with Dr. Moshe Morad from the African Centre in Beer Sheba and finally zoom in to the nuts and bolts of daily life for LGBTQ persons in Nigeria with Deyo Adebiyi, Nigerian educator and activist. Main arguments presented briefly in the beginning by one speaker are further developed by others later in the episode to enable our listeners a better understanding of the subject from a variety of perspectives. 

Taiwan is an LGBTQ oasis in the large and vast continent of Asia. It is the first (and currently the only) country in Asia to have legalized same-sex marriage, and same sex couples have almost all the rights of heterosexual married couples. In the last 20 years, the gay community has reached great achievements in the field of legislation, ensuring equality in employment and education. Although it seems Taiwan is moving toward full acceptance of the GLBTQ lifestyle, it still has a long way to go. This episode explores LGBTQ life in Taiwan and features an interview with Sean Sih-Cheng Du, the Director of Taiwan's LGBTQ Hotline (Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association), the first formal LGBT organization in the country, and one of the major players in its GLBTQ scene.

Technological advancements, in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI), are moving in a fast way in our world. Some of the advancements made public interest or even had a public debate around it, but there are some advancements that we are not even aware of, focusing on Artificial Gender Recognition that concerns that the LGBT communities are facing today. In this Episode, Michael Ross, the host of Straight Friendly Global and Jonathan Elkhoury, the production assistant of SFG, try to shed some light on these technological advancements, on the ethical issues they raise and on some of the proposed solutions that are being debated on in the European Union parliament and the Academy. Michal and Jonathan speak with two different scholars on this episode, firstly with Prof. Kobi Gal a researcher and teacher on the faculties at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the University of Edinburgh. Prof. Gal will shear with us what is AI to begin with and the ethical debate around its usage today by governments or the private sector. The second speaker for this episode is Dr. Yuri Guaiana the secretary general of LGBTI Liberals of Europe and a Senior Campaigner at All Out. With Dr. Guaiana Michael and Jonathan will ignite a liberal debate about AI advancements and the steps his organisation is leading in the EU Parliament. He will share examples and ways to prevent the miss-usage of AI and the ways it could lead to harm mainly Transgender people and the LGBT communities. Dr Yuri Guaiana has been leading All Out's work against the anti-gay crackdown in Chechnya - including being detained in Moscow with local activists, as they tried to deliver 2 million petition signatures to Russian authorities. Prof. Kobi Gal received his PhD in Computer Science from Harvard University. He studies the design of AI technologies for addressing real world problems in such domains as education, governance and negotiation.

What is our responsibility as content creators for the LGBT communities? In this second part of the New year special Michael and Jonathan continue their conversation about Creating LGBT+ & Straight Friendly Global Content. In this Episode Jonathan Elkhoury the production assistant of SFG Podcast, a speaker and content creator himself, continues the Conversation with Michael Ross, the Host and Creator of Straight Friendly Global, about LGBT+ life in Israel, our responsibility as LGBT content creators for the LGBT communities and how it all started. Jonathan and Michael will discuss two more episodes we published -🏳️‍⚧️ Trans in the Business Sector - Bianca Lewis & Shachar Grembek (LGBTech IL) and 🌈 LGBT International Digital Content - Scott Gatz 🌏 If you haven't listened to the first Part: https://podcast.motherhasarrived.com/episodes/creating-lgbt-straight-friendly-global-content-part-1 Listen to the full episodes we mentioned in this part: 🏳️‍⚧️ Trans in the Business Sector - Bianca Lewis & Shachar Grembek (LGBTech IL)- https://podcast.motherhasarrived.com/episodes/bianca 🌈 LGBT International Digital Content - Scott Gatz 🌏 - https://podcast.motherhasarrived.com/episodes/lgbtq-international-digital-content

Do all the LGBT+ people and Communities around the world have a similar story? In this special episode, that is split into 2 parts, we will reflect on the amazing year we had at Straight Friendly Global creating LGBT+ and Straight Friendly Global Content, reflecting on some of the amazing episodes we recorded and published. Jonathan Elkhoury the production assistant of SFG, a speaker and content creator himself interviewed Michael Ross, the Host and Creator of Straight Friendly Global, about how it all started, why he decided to have a lecture about the GAY revolution, how did he make the move from activism to creating LGBT+ and Straight Friendly content and the slogan- Create, Empower and Connect. In this first first part Jonathan and Michael will discuss two of the episodes we published - LGBT Life in Russia will Bella Rapport and LGBT+ American Queer History with Jeffrey Masters Stay Tuned for part 2. Listen to the full episodes mentioned on this episode: LGBT Life in Russia will Bella Rapport - https://podcast.motherhasarrived.com/episodes/russia LGBT+ American Queer History with Jeffrey Masters - https://podcast.motherhasarrived.com/episodes/lgbt-american-queer-history-jeffrey-masters

The importance of digital content became crucial in the 21st century, moreover in became more relevant while a world pandemic when people are looking to connect and discover on events happening worldwide. In this special episode, we talked with Scott Gatz about the creation of Q.Digital and how can we, as content creators, reach the LGBTQ+ communities around the world, even in difficult places and about crating a family. Scott Gatz is the Founder and CEO of Q.Digital, the trusted voice in the LGBTQ media. Through Q.Digital's sites – Queerty (lifestyle and entertainment), GayCities (travel), LGBTQ Nation (news and politics) and INTO (first person perspectives) – Q.digital proudly act as an indispensable resource for millions of LGBTQ individuals worldwide; helping them to live their best and most fulfilling lives.

Join us for a special conversation about the 2nd populated country in the world- INDIA with Vikramaditya Sahai. We will discuss the Political and Law situation in India for LGBTQ+ people, different Cast structures and how social media affect marginalised communities for the different cultures in the country. Our mission At straight friendly global is to bring unique and inspiring stories for and about the LGBT communities around the world. Doing so, it gives us a huge privilege to listen and learn about the most interesting milestones throughout the LGBT history from ancient times to our days. Vikramaditya Sahai (They/Them) a post graduate in political science from University of Delhi. They have previously worked as faculty at the Gender Studies Department, Ambedkar University, Delhi and as a consultant on a project to study non-normative sexuality and gender housed at the Advanced Centre for Women Studies, TISS, Bombay. They are interested in sex, feeling, and the structure and narrative of living in their relation with forms of sociality, law and politics. A special thank you for FNF India for assisting to the creation of this Episode

Dating Apps have turned out to be one of the main ways for the LGBTQ+ community to meet and date. The lack of queer Places and bars in some places made the App dating scene to be the only way for LGBTQ+ people to meet. In this special episode, we invited Reut Sugar, the Host and Creater of the podcast "BANOT" (Woman) for a conversation about the differences between the dating scene in the Gay VS. Straight communities.

From the first brick thrown at the Stonewall INN more than 50 years ago to the Ballroom Culture & RuPaul, Join us for a journey discovering the History and current Gay Queer culture in the US. The United States is the third biggest Country in the World, after China and India. It seems that all LGBTQ+ people live in the US, yet they resemble only 4.2% of the world LGBTQ+ population. We had a conversation with Jeffrey Masters, the creator and host of the long-running interview podcast "LGBTQ&A", recommended by The New York Times. Guests include Pete Buttigieg, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and over 200 others. Masters is a GLAAD Media Award-winning journalist and has also appeared on MSNBC and NPR.

Hidden from history – In this episode we will be discovering some of the earliest Gay poems ever written, more than 1,000 years ago. We will discuss and learn about the term Pederasty and its effect on current day definitions. "We know only what other leaders in previous generations wanted us to know, that’s why we put a lot of effort in reconstruction" We talked with prof. Moshe Sluhovsky, specialist in the fields of Europe and sexuality at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Along with our conversation, like two archaeologists, we have analyzed several literary remains that reveal so much about different ancient Gay cultures throughout history and the Islamic world- was there love or just sexual attraction?

Hannah Safran is an Israeli feminist, activist, and researcher. She is one of the founders of the Coalition of Women for Peace and Women in Black. In this episode, we will be talking about so many aspects of feminism - and only with the regular academic western perspective. We will discover the stories behind different feminist movements and their impact on the freedom of so many individuals. We will even learn about the way technology, and mainly the internet has affected us all.

Poland has been mentioned so many times in recent news, because of the "LGBT Free Zones" - municipalities and regions of Poland that have declared themselves unwelcoming of an alleged "LGBT ideology", in order to ban equality marches and other LGBT events. We have interviewed the activist Filip Pawlak, that participated in some demonstrations called "The Polish Stonewall Riots" in which he got arrested. The production of this episode came to reality thanks to the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Jerusalem; and thanks to our volunteers: Alon Rosenblum and Ariel Skop. Also huge thanks to Filip Pawlak and Adam Gajek.

In this episode, we are going to talk about a very important subject, which is very close to my heart. In this episode, we will be talking with and about transgender people. Transgender people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that they were assigned at birth. Being transgender is not necessarily have anything to do with sexual orientation, because transgender people may identify as heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay or lesbian), bisexual, asexual, or actually can decide not to label their sexual orientation at all. Now, usually, if we hear any news, or find any content about transgender people, we might be confronted with some bad news (you know). Cases of violence against trans people, unemployment for instance. Unfortunately, in some places, the whole process of coming out as a transgender can be really difficult. Among the different identities and groups of the L-G-B-T people, transgender people (either male, female or non-binary) are facing a lot of discrimination. Not only in the hetero-normative sphere, meaning in the "straight" society, but also within the LGBT community itself. As an Israeli, I will never forget the day when in 1998, while I was in primary school, Dana International, a transgender female singer from Israel, has won the Eurovision song contest. She brought so much pride, to so many people - with a really good song - DIVA. I loved this song! And you probably all know, some transgender figure, that can make you feel pride. Now, I believe in creating empowering content. A content that can connect us all. And this is why I chose, that first episode, which we will have about transgender people on the Straight Friendly podcast, will be an empowering one. Instead of talking about discrimination in the work sphere, we have decided to have our first talk with the story of Bianca Lewis. Bianca, who is a transgender woman, has got to a very senior position in the tech industry in Israel. She is also a board member of the LGBTech organization, which has branches in many countries around the world. The production of this episode came to reality thanks to the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Jerusalem; and thanks to our volunteers: Alon Rosenblum, Ariel Skop, Oded Shpitzer & Amit Hameiri (TAU). And to our guests from LGBTech: Bianca Lewis and Shachar Grembek.

In this episode, we're going to talk about one of the biggest countries in the world, and probably with one of the hugest communities there.We all probably know that it is not really easy to be a part of the LGBTQ community in Russia these days. But we do not always know just how hard it is.We are happy to host this episode on one of the most active women in the Russian LGBTQ community: Bella Rapaport, who is a feminist, activist, and academic.Russia has more than 150 million people which means that statistically, the LGBTQ community is several million. Is the community in Russia united? Is it divided into sub-communities? Is it like in other countries, where life in big cities like Moscow is so different from life in the rest of the country? Is there communication between the different communities? Bella answers questions that show how, in the end, the life of the community in many countries and the community in Russia are not so different, except for current political affairs.The production of this episode came to reality thanks to the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Jerusalem; and thanks to our volunteers: Alon Rosenblum, Ariel Skop and Anna Talisman.Takeaways: Russia has a significant LGBT population, but the community is fragmented across its vast geography. The situation for LGBT individuals in Russia is complex, with some regions being more dangerous than others. Activism within the LGBT community in Russia often faces severe challenges and risks from authorities. Cultural and gender dynamics in Russia influence perceptions of LGBT identities, especially for women. Despite legal challenges, there are underground spaces in St. Petersburg where the LGBT community can gather. The language used in Russian media has evolved due to feminist activism, impacting societal perceptions of women. Companies mentioned in this episode: Friedrich Naumann foundation

After a one-year break, we're finally back with some wonderful news and many new episodes which we have produced. Before diving into the LGBT stories of different countries around the world, let's first set our perspective and our mind.Engaging and insightful, the podcast navigates the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, driven by host Michael Ross's dedication to amplifying diverse voices. The discussion begins with a candid reflection on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how it has affected individuals across the globe, particularly within marginalized communities. The episode introduces a new collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, which aims to deepen the exploration of LGBTQ+ narratives while fostering connections between activists and audiences. This partnership builds on the success of previous episodes that addressed the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in specific countries, such as Turkey.The podcast emphasizes the importance of storytelling in promoting understanding and acceptance, showcasing the host's journey from creating a popular Hebrew-language podcast in Israel to expanding the conversation globally. Michael's experience illustrates that LGBTQ+ stories resonate universally, encouraging listeners to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of LGBTQ+ identities. By sharing these narratives, the podcast seeks to challenge perceptions, celebrate diversity, and underscore the notion that being LGBTQ+ is an integral part of human existence, deserving of recognition and respect across all cultures.As the episode unfolds, listeners are prompted to reflect on their own identities and the historical contexts that shape their communities. The host raises thought-provoking questions about love, belonging, and the rights of individuals to express their true selves. By fostering these discussions, the podcast aims to create a safe space for listeners to engage with LGBTQ+ issues, inspiring them to seek justice and equality for all. With an invitation to explore upcoming interviews with activists and community leaders, the episode sets the stage for a rich dialogue that promises to enlighten and empower listeners in their understanding of LGBTQ+ rights and histories.Takeaways: The podcast aims to highlight the experiences of LGBT communities globally, fostering understanding. Covid-19 has significantly impacted everyone, demonstrating the strength of community connections. The collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation enhances the podcast's reach and impact. Listeners from diverse regions found relevance in the story of a Turkish LGBT activist. The host emphasizes the importance of sharing LGBT history to promote normalization and acceptance. The podcast seeks to address and celebrate the diversity within LGBT cultures around the world. Companies mentioned in this episode: Friedrich Naumann foundation TICSF

Michael Ross interviews Mustafa, an LGBT activist from Istanbul, who shares his experiences and the challenges faced by the LGBT community in Turkey. Mustafa highlights the oppressive environment that has developed over the years, particularly since the banning of pride parades in 2015, which has led to increased government scrutiny and discrimination against queer individuals. Despite these challenges, Mustafa emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces and solidarity among the community, noting that activism has become more vital than ever. The discussion touches on the impact of conservative government policies, the underground LGBT scene in Istanbul, and the role of cultural expressions, such as music and drag shows, in fostering resilience. Mustafa's perspective offers hope for the future, encouraging listeners to remain engaged and supportive in the fight for equality and recognition.The LGBT community in Turkey used to have one of the biggest pride parades in the region, but in recent years political changes have affected the community directly. It is no longer legal to organize the pride parade and other events, and the country has even stopped participating in the Eurovision Song Contest due to Conchita’s win. Yet life goes on, and the local underground scenes are thriving. Join us for a talk with the local LGBT Turkish activist, Mustafa Sarıyılmaz.Mustafa, a prominent LGBT activist from Istanbul, shares his experiences navigating life and activism in a country where conservative policies have increasingly marginalized the queer community. The conversation delves into the past and present state of LGBT rights in Turkey, highlighting the transformation of public spaces once welcoming to pride parades into environments of oppression. Mustafa recounts how the vibrant pride events of 2014, which attracted over 100,000 attendees, have been replaced by a suffocating silence, as authorities have imposed bans on public demonstrations and events. He emphasizes the creation of safe spaces within Istanbul, where the LGBT community can gather, but also acknowledges the oppressive atmosphere that looms over everyday existence for queer individuals in Turkey. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by those in public service who risk their jobs by being open about their sexual orientations. Mustafa recounts stories of teachers and police officers who were dismissed due to exposure as LGBT individuals, often through dating apps that have become double-edged swords of connection and risk. The influence of conservative religious ideologies on the government’s stance towards the LGBT community is a recurring theme, illustrating how these beliefs shape policies that enforce silence and stigmatization. Amidst the struggles, Mustafa remains hopeful, showcasing the resilience of the LGBT community in Turkey. He discusses the strengthening of solidarity among activists and the underground scene’s flourishing, particularly in the realm of drag culture and electronic music. He believes that activism is not solely about protests but also about creating community, celebrating identity, and fostering connections that empower individuals. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for rights and recognition, and the enduring spirit of those who dare to stand up for their existence and dignity in the face of adversity.Takeaways: Mustafa discusses the oppressive environment for LGBT activists in Turkey due to government policies. There are safe zones in Istanbul where queer people can gather and express themselves freely. Since 2015, Istanbul's pride parades have been banned, reflecting a concerning political shift. The underground LGBT scene in Turkey remains vibrant, with increased solidarity among activists. Despite challenges, Mustafa emphasizes the importance of community and gratitude in activism....