LGBTQ+ people frequently make significant changes to their everyday lives to avoid discrimination.

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64countries still criminalize LGBTQ+ relationships$4.7Tglobal LGBTQ+ consumer spending power10%of the global population identifies as LGBTQ+<3%of VC funding reaches openly LGBTQ+ founders36countries with marriage equalityx2growth of LGBTQ+ digital content since 202064countries still criminalize LGBTQ+ relationships$4.7Tglobal LGBTQ+ consumer spending power10%of the global population identifies as LGBTQ+<3%of VC funding reaches openly LGBTQ+ founders36countries with marriage equalityx2growth of LGBTQ+ digital content since 2020
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Podcast

Straight Friendly Global — the podcast

Honest conversations from across the LGBTQ+ world. Activists, artists, scholars and neighbors.

1h 4m

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

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 regard

1h 5m

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

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 Vancouv

57 min

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

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 suppo

53 min

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

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 v

48 min

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

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 an

48 min

A Journey from LA to Portugal: Steve Wiseman's Take on Being Jewish, Gay, and an Immigrant

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

54 min

Unity in Diversity: Spotlight on Jewish Queer Activism - Nate & Matthew

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 Ame

46 min

Seeking Hope and Unity in War Time: Insights from Rabbi Eger

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 comm

35 min

Unveiling the Truth: The Story of Sarit Ahmed's Quest for Freedom

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 acc

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About

Our mission

Straight Friendly Global is a media and education brand that makes the LGBTQ+ story accessible to everyone. Through talks, podcasts and online content we build bridges between communities and create open, thoughtful conversations.