New Staff Announcement
The Peer Support Program is very excited to announce the addition of two new part-time staff members to our team. Joshua Francis is joining us in the role of Events Coordinator, and Florin Douglas is joining us as Training Coordinator.
For the last twelve months, the goals and aims of the Peer Support Program have focused on supporting trans, gender diverse and non-binary people in revitalising and sustaining kinship communities, and we have supported the functioning of workshops and events run by community members. Florin and Josh will be focusing on the development of individual projects designed to expand the reach and sustainability of the Peer Support Program. Florin and Josh will also be working alongside our ongoing staff, Son (Team Leader) and Oliver (Project Relationship Coordinator) in the day-to-day running of the Peer Support Program.
Joshua Francis (They/them/theirs)
Joshua is an arts producer advocating for LGBTIQ+ and multicultural communities. They have worked across Australia and internationally for organisations such as Arts Centre Melbourne, Next Wave, Multicultural Arts Victoria, Battersea Arts Centre and Komunitas Salihara. Josh’s practice has been funded by the Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Victoria, Asialink and local government. They are currently a participant in the Victorian Independent Producers Initiative provided by Theatre Network Australia and are a new member of Switchboard Victoria’s QTIPoC Advisory Committee.
As Events Coordinator, Josh is shaping projects that will take place throughout the next six months, organising and managing events for Victorian trans communities to congregate, celebrate and socialise (virtually and in-person). Says Josh:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Transgender Victoria. I’m interested in using my lived experience and the support I’ve received throughout my arts work to continue supporting the communities that I belong to. I look forward to working with Aboriginal, First Nations, Black and queer people of colour to support our mobilising and wellbeing during the many challenges ahead.”
For inquiries, suggestions and feedback, get in touch with Josh at josh@tgv.org.au
Florin Douglas (He/him/his)
Florin brings his engaging academic background in Gender and Sexuality Studies, alongside community engagement work to his role as training coordinator Florin holds a degree from the ANU, as well as a personal history in music, singing and performance.
Florin has worked in queer leadership, administrative and advocacy positions, where he has authored reports on best practice in community engagement, run community events, and delivered training opportunities. Notably, he worked as a Junior Producer at Tuggeranong Arts Centre to produce the sellout show ‘Trans Voices Cabaret’. Most recently, Florin worked as a Peer Support group facilitator through Thorne Harbour Health. On the weekends, Florin is training to be a teacher of English as a second language.
As Training Coordinator, Florin will be delivering small-group training for trans and gender diverse folks, to assist with the longevity of the Peer Support Program. Florin will also be establishing tailored pathways for trans and gender diverse folks wishing to upskill or progress into new career paths and industries that will benefit from more TGD leaders and employees. Florin is working to connect the dots for more marginalised transgender people, creating education programs and opportunities for community members, based on the needs of the community. For inquiries, suggestions and feedback, get in touch with Florin at florin@tgv.org.au
