FREE REGISTRATION: https://crossculturalqueermahj.eventbrite.ca
Inspired by Youth Collaborative for Chinatown’s Hot+Noisy series, which are remembered fondly for bringing in diverse people from all the city to learn mahjong from older Chinatown elders, join JQT Vancouver and Chinatown friends for a cross cultural history exchange with live demos of Chinese mahjong & Jewish “mahj”! There will be tons of play time for you to learn the rules directly from the masters: Chinese poh pohs and Jewish bubbes :)
We encourage you to play with our elders, but feel free to just observe too! There’s plenty more to enjoy at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, whether it’s nerding out on Chinatown history or taking a photo in Yucho Chow’s photo booth or watching a short documentary on Jewish "mahj" on the big screen or noshing on kosher-style dim sum from Kam Wai and babka from Chef Menajem Catering and jam rugelach from Siegel’s!
There will be a Chinese mahjong lesson and demo, followed by a Jewish “mahj” lesson and demo led by Lisa Cohen Quay, the JCC’s Mahjong maven. Carmel Tanaka from JQT Vancouver and the Cross Cultural Walking Tours will share a bit about the game’s accessibility (or lack thereof) for the queer community. The mahjong sets and tables have been generously provided by Chinatown Today and the JCC Adult Program. This is a free event.
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This is the fifth event in our JQT Mental Health Support Series, which was developed in partnership with JFS Vancouver, following the Twice Blessed 2.0: The Jewish LGBTQ2SIA+ Initiative’s community needs assessment, which identified a critical service gap: Call to Action #6 - Develop and provide funding for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly Jewish mental health support.
For the most up-to-date details on this series, please visit: https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-mental-health
Covid policy - JQT strictly follows the recommendations of Vancouver Coastal Health and makes decisions accordingly. Mask wearing is optional, but encouraged in group settings and to protect those in our circles who are immunocompromised.
Accessibility info - All are welcome to attend this event whether they be 2SLGBTQIA+, Jewish, Jew-ISH, Jew-curious or friends! Programming will take place at Chinatown Storytelling Centre, which is located at 168 E Pender Street. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, and the washrooms are all single stall non-gendered rooms. Click here for public transit, parking and more accessibility info: https://www.chinatownstorytellingcentre.org/visit/
Food info - This event will cater kosher-style fish and vegetarian dim sum options with babka and fruit.
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WHO ARE WE?
JQT Vancouver (pronounced J-Cutie) is a volunteer-run Jewish Queer and Trans non-profit dedicated to "queering" Jewish spaces and "Jew-ifying" Queer spaces through education, dialogue, art, cultural celebration and partnerships in Vancouver, BC, on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. www.jqtvancouver.ca
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Lisa Cohen Quay, RSW, MSW, MPA, is a registered social worker with 30 years experience working with older adults and their families in various community settings in the US and Canada. She coordinates Adult Programs at the Vancouver Jewish Community Centre and is a founding member of the JQT Seniors Initiative. First introduced to North American Mah Jongg as a young teen around her mother's weekly game, Lisa has taught hundreds of players to love the game, both novice and advanced, as well as adjudicating tournaments.
Carmel Tanaka is the founder of both JQT Vancouver and the Cross Cultural Walking Tours. She can be found frequenting mahjong socials in Chinatown and in the Jewish community. She would love to make this beloved game more accessible to the queer community. Ask her to show you how to play! www.carmeltanaka.ca