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