First Trans Candidate in 15 years to run for Board Director of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2018
Katherine Wolfgramme – Candidate for election as a Director of the Board for Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Katherine Wolfgramme is proud to announce her candidacy to the position of Director on the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Board for the election at the upcoming AGM on October 27th.
While canvassing support, she encourages people to check their Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras membership status, renew or join by Friday 12th October at http://www.mardigras.org.au/become-a-member
As the first transgender candidate in 15 years to the SGLMG’s Board, Katherine’s reasons to come forward with her candidacy include, in her own words:
• It is time for a visible trans presence on the Mardi Gras Board of Directors.
• I believe in social equity and that a trans voice needs to be present at Board level at Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.
• As a Director I would consult with the trans population – both binary, non-binary, gender-fluid and gender diverse and their relevant organisations/groups to help:
Form a better understanding of trans culture.
Ensure and promote true and proper trans inclusion and define what that inclusion would look like.
Address the needs of trans people accessing services within the LGBTIQ community.
Address the definitions of safe spaces for trans people within our the LGBTIQ community.
Reduce the culture of patronage towards the trans population by being present at a decision-making level.
Give voice to those whose voices are not always heard through inviting open communication with all trans people.
Ensure the needs of the aging trans population are considered.
Shed light on the hardships faced by trans kids, youth and help understand ways to support their parents.
Put into practice what diversity and inclusion looks like on paper.
• It is time all trans people to be acknowledged for their true potential as human beings by being represented in all roles in society including leadership roles.
• As an adult, and upcoming elder, I have the social responsibility to send a clear message to our rainbow youth by being a positive presence and inspiring role model and showing them that all things are possible for their future, no matter where they have come from, no matter who they are.
• I am aiming to empower and set an example to all gender diverse people that courage is all we need to take our proper places within the Community.
• Help contribute to the easier accessibility for all community members to events.
• Contribute to the already exemplary record of good governance and financial stability of the current SGLMG Board .
“I believe in inclusion not exclusion, I believe an organisation born as a reaction to exclusion and discrimination should remain an example of tolerance and a beacon and celebration of acceptance, all members of the LGBTQI Community who work in any organisation and their allies should always be welcome and share in the Spirit of Mardi Gras.”
“In my advocacy I have sat on community committees, councils and advisory groups and I am the first transgender woman appointed to the Wear It Purple Board. – My track record clearly shows the spirit of my strong community service and my continuing intention to always do good for my community. Even in the face of adversity I will always endeavour to do what is right with the best of intentions. This is also reflected as my soon to be appointed official ambassadorship of The Gender Centre”
“Although in the past I have acted solely and on my own instinct, I do understand the responsibility of being a SGLMG Board Director and the importance of seeking counsel from all facets of the trans population, including elders, youth, conservatives, activists, friends & foes.”
“I believe I could make an important and valuable contribution to the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Board as it is always a great honour to serve my community and this will present new positive ways through visibility.”
Katherine is a self-employed Gender Diversity Consultant and Trans Awareness Trainer. She has spoken on Panels with some of the most respected female feminist minds in the country from all identities and has been invited to speak at some of the finest corporate and educational institutions in the country. She also works for one of the most popular gay venues on Sydney’s Oxford Street on the weekend, which keeps her in touch with other members of our community for the last three years.
She believes good governance is the greatest legacy a Board can provide an organisation with; and her own research shows that for the past two years Mardi Gras has been excellent in all governance areas. Because of this Katherine would like to endorse for re-election these incumbent Directors and looks forward to working with them and the rest of the Board if she is elected: • Jesse Matheson • Kat Dopper • Christopher Brooke – Treasurer
Katherine Wolfgramme – Candidate for election as a Director of the Board for Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.
