August 8, 2025 – Peak LGBTIQ+ groups from around the country have signed a statement rejecting the divisive politics that seek to discriminate against trans women.
The statement was signed by 28 groups, including Dykes on Bikes Melbourne, Dykes on Bikes Sydney, ACON, Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Equality Australia, Twenty10, Qtopia, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, Victorian Pride Centre, Pride WA and Shine SA.
“We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for equality and justice,” the statement said.
“This campaign spreads a false narrative that the existence and inclusion of trans women threatens the safety and wellbeing of others.
“Trans exclusionary groups do not represent the overwhelming majority of lesbians and the broader LGBTIQ+ community, which is rich with diversity and rightly proud of its strong history of acceptance, diversity and solidarity.”
Dykes on Bikes Melbourne President T Rex:
“Trans women are part of our community, full stop. The idea that lesbians and trans women are at odds is not only false, but also harmful.
“As a lesbian-centred club with deep roots in LGBTQIA+ activism and community, we know our strength has always come from solidarity, not division.
“Our legacy is one of strength, resistance, and standing up for those pushed to the margins, and that includes our trans sisters. Trans women have long been part of our rides, our herstory, and our future.
"Trans women are women, and they deserve the same dignity, respect and inclusion as anyone else. Some media would have you believe that lesbians are divided over this issue. We’re not. The overwhelming majority of us stand for inclusion, not exclusion.
“To the trans women in our community: You are seen. You are valued. We’ve got your back.”
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown:
“LGBTIQ+ groups from around the country have emphatically rejected pitting groups who experience discrimination against each other.
“There is a rightly proud lesbian community in this country, and we support and strengthen it by being more inclusive, not by excluding the marginalised and vulnerable.
“Trans Australians are under repeated attack, which forces them out of public life and into social isolation, and our community stands against these attempts to cause harm and sow division.
“All members of the LGBTIQ+ community deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Hayley Conway, CEO Pride Cup:
“Lesbian and bisexual women have long been advocates for equality. We have fought back against those in society who try to tell us that women must look or behave a certain, feminine way to be 'real women'.
“This position undermines decades of fighting to be treated equally. They do not speak for me, and their actions make all women less safe.”
Jain Moralee, CEO Twenty10:
"Young trans women in our communities can experience higher rates of marginalisation, violence and discrimination.
“It is of vital importance that all young LGBTIQA+ people, including young trans women, are treated equally, are safe and protected and know that they are valued and affirmed.
“Public and political discourse that does anything other than that, risks further harm to young people in our communities."
Greg Fisher, CEO Qtopia:
“We stand firmly with trans people to ensure that hard-fought rights are not eroded, that education is prioritised to overcome ignorance and the dangers that arise from it, and that respect is afforded to everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
“At Qtopia Sydney we continue to tell stores, through our exhibitions, programs and performances that include trans-lives. We are proud to do so as our trans friends are much respected and loved people in our vibrant community.”
Statement and the list of signatories can be found here: https://equalityaustralia.org.au/community-statement-supporting-trans-women/
