By Tate Papworth
What’s you connection to Brimbank?
For the past four years I’ve lived in Sunshine West. I’ve also been working in a restaurant in Sunshine. I love that I’ve got to see the rise of the area over the past few years.
What do you like best about the area?
I love the amount of diversity and culture in the area. It’s changed lots over the last decade and it’s wonderful to see so many different cultures represented here. They each bring something to Brimbank.
What could be done better?
There’s been a lot of tall buildings and concrete skyscrapers go up. It would be fantastic if we could include more green spaces.
You’ve had a remarkable journey of self discovery. How did you get to this point?
I’m a Vietnamese immigrant and I identify as a trans woman. Coming from Vietnam, there’s not a lot of education or reference for people like me so it was a journey of learning to love myself through isolation.
And now you’re supporting people in the community?
I do a lot of work with the LGBTIQ community. I’m a presenter on Joy 91.9 and do public speaking around self acceptance. I don’t like to put labels on things or go into my own story, it’s more about focusing on human elements and promoting compassion and self acceptance. I’d really like to see the Brimbank council have a pride network and hold LGBTIQ events.
