AAP Fireside Chats: LGBTQIA+ edition

In celebration of international pride month, the Asian Australian Project is delighted to present “Fireside Chats: The LGBTQIA+ Edition”, an exploration into the intersectionality of sexuality and culture. Hear from representatives from the LGBTQ+ community as they navigate the intricate topics of:

• Navigating the conversation of sexuality with family in the face of cultural and religious stigma
• The influence of media in their representation of the LGBTQ+ Community
• The role of culture when it comes to dating preferences and relationships
• What resources are available to those starting off on their journey

Join us online for some robust discussion featuring prominent Asian-Australian changemakers and community advocates in this space. At the end of the session, there will also be a live Q&A. 

OUR PANELLISTS:

Giancarlo de Vera (he/they) is a proud non-binary person of colour with disability, who is passionate about LGBTIQ+ and disability inclusion, policy and advocacy. They currently lead the policy and advocacy team at People with Disability Australia, the national peak disability body, and sits on the Board of the Australian Centre for Disability Law. Giancarlo is also the President of the Australian GLBTI Multicultural Council and, the national peak body representing Australia's multicultural and multifaith LGBTIQ+ community, and heads up community engagement for Out for Australia, a national charity committed to improving LGBTIQ+ inclusion in Australian workplaces.

Sheetal Deo (she/her) is the co-founder and President of Ethnic+, a not-for-profit member organisation dedicated to championing diversity within the rainbow community and fostering connection and compassion with allies. In addition to volunteering with Ethnic+, Sheetal volunteers as the State Director (Queensland) for Out for Australia, an organisation focused on providing support for LGBTQIA+ students and early career professionals and the LGBTI Legal Service where she serves as a Member on the Management Committee.

Lloyd King (he/him) has been active in the South Asian queer spaces with his involvement with Trikone Australia – a not-for-profit social support group for queer people of South Asian origin living in Australia. Ever since he started with the organisation as a volunteer and now working with the board, his personal mission has been to raise the visibility of the South Asian experience amongst the mainstream community in Australia.

Cherie Mulyono is a Tax Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), specialising in stamp duties and land tax, and has worked in the Brisbane, New York and Sydney offices. She is the Co-Sponsor Partner for Shine (PwC’s LGBTI network) and is also involved in Be (PwC’s diverse cultural background network). Cherie was named a 2020 Outstanding 50 LGBTI+ leader, and is passionate about authentic leadership, mentoring and coaching.

Please Note: This is purely an open discussion on sexuality and LGBTQIA+ issues if you need any assistance please refer to the support lines below.

If you require Peer Support on topics:

• Qlife — Australia-wide anonymous and free LGBTI peer support for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 527 or webchat 3pm-12am AEST
• Minus 18 — Resources help and guidance for Australia's LGBTIQ youth.

If you are in urgent need of help please reach out to

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• Headspace on 1800 650 890

This event will be recorded, which may include some audio recording during the Q&A. Please let a member of the AAP team know if you would not like to be recorded.