n this special Pride Month episode of Jew & Stew, hosts Ethan Slyder and Edie Friemark welcome LGBTQ Jewish advocates Tanya Tsikanovsky and Matthew Nouriel for an honest conversation about identity, belonging, and resilience. The guests share their personal journeys of coming out, navigating Jewish and LGBTQ spaces, and finding the courage to embrace every part of who they are. They discuss the importance of creating safe communities, the challenges of growing up in different Jewish environments, and how visibility has helped others feel less alone. The conversation also explores how October 7 reshaped their activism, the rise of antisemitism within LGBTQ spaces, the importance of Mizrahi Jewish history, and why hope, authenticity, and community remain essential in the face of growing division. Guest Bio – Tanya Tsikanovsky Tanya Tsikanovsky is a first generation American, zionist, Head of Development for ThinkAgain, Senior Advisor for Combat Antisemitism Movement, and Candidate for West Hollywood City Council 2026. YouTube- @Highlyjewish Instagram - @highlyjewish X - @highlyjewish Guest Bio – Matthew Nouriel Matthew Nouriel, also known as "The Empress Mizrahi," is a non-binary digital activist, writer, and content creator of Iranian Jewish descent. Drawing on their unique perspective as a Mizrahi Jew, Matthew educates audiences about Jewish identity, antisemitism, Middle Eastern Jewish history, and LGBTQ inclusion. Through social media and public advocacy, they challenge misinformation, amplify the stories of Mizrahi and Sephardic Jews, and encourage people to embrace every aspect of their identity without compromise. Their work focuses on building understanding, strengthening Jewish community, and promoting authentic representation across diverse audiences YouTube - @MatthewNouriel Instagram - matthewnouriel