On Topic - Living the rainbow

The conversation will then be expanded to audience discussion and debate. The School’s next On Topic will use the recently released whole of government multicultural policy statement by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMAC) to explore what this statement might mean for the health sector as it relates to the multifaith multicultural LGBTIQ community.

We will hear from members of the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC Inc), a group that has been at the forefront of providing social and health support, education and political activism on behalf of 32 multifaith multicultural individuals and groups since 2004. Discussion will include:their lived experiences, including marginalisation, discrimination and how these were addressed; how can AGMC be used by health service providers to improve the relationship of multifaith, multicultural LGBTIQ communities within the health sector;where to next/what are the most important actions that need to happen to capitalise on the opportunities brought about by the new policy?

Imam Nur Warsame

Nur Warsame is an Imam based in Melbourne. He is Somali, obtained his religious qualifications in Egypt and memorized the Quran in South Africa. He has been active as an Imam in Australia since 2000. He is also the convener of Marhaba, a social support group that focuses on the welfare of LGBTIQ Muslims

Dr Judy Tang

Dr Judy Tang is the vice-president of the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council Inc (AGMC Inc). She has been with AGMC since its early beginnings in 2004, and continues to be passionate about education and advocacy for people who identify as multicultural and LGBTIQ, having presented throughout Australia about the issues and considerations required to ensure safety, acceptance and equality. Judy is also a Neuropsychologist who passionately promotes cultural competency in the mental health sector.

Assoc. Prof. Shanton Chang, Founding AGMC Committee Member

Associate Professor Shanton Chang is Assistant Dean (International) at the Melbourne School of Engineering. His current primary areas of research include the Online Behaviour, Information Seeking Behaviour and Needs, and Information Security Culture. His latest research is on the information seeking behaviour and social networking patterns of international students He first came to Australia as an international student and eventually represented the voice of international students to the Commonwealth Government. He was one of the first producers and presenter of Orange Ribbon on Joy 94.9, Australia's full time LGBT radio station. Orange Ribbon was the Multicultural Program developed to provide a voice for the multicultural LGBT groups and perspectives but also to challenge the rise of Pauline Hanson, from the 1990s  to the late 2000s. He was also one for the co-convenors of the first AGMC Conference. He continues to work with international students and CALD communities today.

Sam Lilit

Sam Lilit is a non-binary bisexual Jewish trans person, and an activist. Fae is the president of Ygender, a support and advocacy group for trans and gender diverse youth, and a committee member at AGMC.

We will also celebrate the launch of a new book by School of Health and Social Development academic, Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli: ‘Women in relationships with Bisexual Men: Bi Men by Women’.