Elizabeth Lee is the first Korean-Australian politician elected to state and territory governments in Australia. She has been a Liberal member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly since 2016 representing the electorate of Kurrajong in Canberra.
The South Korean born politician had been well known as a leading law figure in the Korean community across Australia. She had been working as a law lecturer at the Australian National University and the University of Canberra after her career shifting from a lawyer.
Recently, her social media post calling out sexism and racism has come to the fore. The Canberra times reported on June 16 that a business man wrote to Ms Lees LinkedIn profile to inform her body shape.
Belconnen entrepreneur Jeff Manny wrote to Ms Lee who is also a fitness instructor put on weight since last time I saw you".
"Try to shake it. Stop eating too many Um Chas," he also mentioned.
After that he stated that "This is an ugly picture. Remove it."
Ms Lee then made a stand on her Facebook page stating;
"I'm #Australian , I eat more than #YUMcha and I don't exist to be pretty and skinny for anyone #callingoutsexism #callingoutracism ,"
Her simple but strong comment have been drawn public attention and received a lot of supports especially from those who experienced similar online trolling.
Ms Elizabeth Lee told the SBS Korean program although it was not a good event to experience for her but she felt like that she was doing her job properly by standing up for those who experienced online trolling but could not have courage to speak up for themselves.
I have been elected by people of Canberra to do a job. And that job is to look out for their interests, to keep the government account and to provide leadership to our city. My gender, race and body shape have no bearing on my ability and all my commitment to do this job and I hope that others all feel the same way. She said.
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