Elvis Martin. Image: Facebook/Supplied
Elvis Martin has inspired many young people with his resilience and leadership.
He is not afraid to use personal life experiences to educate others and influence decision-makers to create better policies, as he advocates for the rights of young people, the homeless, and those who suffer mental health challenges in the LGBTQI and general community.
“I want to be a voice for LGBTIQ+ people who are struggling,” he said.
Youngest Person Appointed to Victorian Government’s LGBT Taskforce
As the youngest person to be appointed to the Victorian Government’s LGBTIQ+ Taskforce, Martin is determined to tackle and resolve issues and add a youthful and multicultural voice to the discussion.
He sees the LGBTQI community as three intersecting groups: Those who are out and proud, those who suffer disadvantage through disability, isolation, mental health, homelessness or fear they would suffer discrimination if they came out of the closet, and those who are LGBTQI but live their lives separated from the community.
“We need to eliminate disadvantage, and diffuse the people from the second group into the other two,” he says.
Launching the Victorian Government’s first-ever LGBTIQ+ strategy, which will outline a 10-year vision and reform agenda for equality, is certainly a daunting task.
He would like to see a community that is educated about the challenges it faces and one that keeps its eye on what the government is doing. He would also like to ensure that all organisations create inclusive policies and make sure staff are trained and carry out those policies.
Having been a member of the Victorian Government’s Anti-Racism Taskforce, Martin is used to robust conversation on racism strategy. Now a citizen after ten years living here, Martin admits he loved Australia from day one because it was open-minded and progressive.
‘Racism has Taken its Toll on Multicultural Communities’
However, there are areas where change is needed. Martin stresses that, “Racism has taken its toll on multicultural communities and minority groups. It has affected me and so many people. You are made to feel different. How are we going to educate the community?
“We can create 10,000 reforms, 10,000 pieces of legislation but how do we explain this legislation in simple language to the community to educate them?”
When commenting on the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill, he has a message to people of faith, “if you believe in your religion and you really think your religion is strong, then you don’t need to impose your beliefs on somebody else.”
© Star Observer 2021 | For the latest in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, be sure to visit starobserver.com.au daily. You can also read our latest magazines or Join us on our Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here
Quicksilver
$16.40 (as of December 22, 2024 19:05 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Crock-Pot Portable Electric Lunch Box, 20-Ounce Food Warmer, Moonshine Green | Ideal for Travel, On-the-Go | Keeps Food Spill-Free, Warm & Tasty | Dishwasher-Safe
$34.99 (as of December 22, 2024 19:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Savor | The Folio Document Organizer™ | Custom Dyed Cloth Bound Expanding File Folder for Important Papers, Emergency Binder, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, Passports, Photos, and Letters…
$50.00 (as of December 22, 2024 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm, Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, Sheer, Glossy Shiny Finish, 008 Rum Raisin, 0.11 oz
$10.49 (as of December 22, 2024 19:05 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
