Marc Ashton
Marc Ashton
=====================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Marc Ashton is a renowned Australian social activist, human rights advocate, and politician. He is commonly known for his tireless efforts in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and supporting marginalized communities.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 5, 1957, in New Zealand, Marc Ashton passed away on June 9, 2020, at the age of 62, after a long battle with cancer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Marc Ashton was a New Zealander by birth but later became an Australian citizen. Throughout his life, he has been involved in various professions, including social work, activism, and politics. He is best known for his work as a human rights advocate and social activist.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New Zealand, Marc Ashton was exposed to the complexities of social inequality from a young age. His family's experiences with poverty and marginalization instilled in him a strong sense of empathy and justice. Ashton's early life laid the foundation for his future work as an advocate for marginalized communities.
Major Accomplishments
Marc Ashton is credited with several significant accomplishments throughout his career. Some of his notable achievements include:
Founding the Australian Marriage Equality Party, which aimed to promote marriage equality in Australia
Leading the "Love Makes a Family" campaign, a national movement advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and family recognition
* Serving as the National Coordinator of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives (1979-1984), an organization dedicated to preserving LGBTQ+ history and culture
Notable Works or Actions
Marc Ashton's work extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was also an accomplished writer, contributing to various publications on social justice issues. In addition to his written works, Ashton was a passionate public speaker, using his voice to amplify marginalized voices.
Impact and Legacy
Marc Ashton's impact on Australian society is immeasurable. Through his tireless advocacy, he helped bring about significant changes in LGBTQ+ rights and recognition. His work continues to inspire future generations of activists and advocates for human rights.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marc Ashton is widely quoted and remembered due to his unwavering dedication to social justice and human rights. His commitment to promoting equality and challenging systemic injustices has left a lasting impact on Australian society.
Quotes by Marc Ashton
Suddenly, in my mind I hear my father say, 'Mind over matter, son. You can do this. You can accomplish anything as long as you really want to.
While explaining God to his granddaughter Daska, Horace Dade Ashton said, 'God was everything she breathed and walked on, everything that lived, everything she saw, touched, and felt. God was in every one of us.
Even though I left school at age fifteen, I loved learning and continued to learn through my careers as a photojournalist, filmmaker, and explorer. I was taught that education is the great equalizer and knowledge is power. I prefer to think that knowledge is understanding; the more one knows, the less one fears.
In 1963, while my brothers were engaged in their lives, I call this period of my life 'my character-building years.' I adhered to the saying, 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
I wonder if my kidnappers know who my father was in Haiti, or if they know what powers they are dealing with.
Myriam and I are both hard workers, and together we make a strong team. We found ways to make a living, educate our children, and to take care of my parents until their last days, and we managed to have fun doing it. ...The friendships we made along the way were the biggest treasure of all.