Happy International Lesbian Day... Lesbian events are banned.

LGB Alliance Australia condemns the decision of the Australian Human Rights Commission to reject an application by the Lesbian Action Group for an exemption under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. The Lesbian Action Group had hoped to host a series of public events and gatherings for lesbians only, starting with a celebration of International Lesbian Day at the Victorian Pride Centre. The Pride Centre refused their booking on the grounds that a lesbian-only event would go against their policy of inclusion.

Yesterday the AHRC decision, too, positioned public and widely advertised lesbian events as contrary to the Sex Discrimination Act. Our response to AHRC’s preliminary decision, which outlined our serious concerns, was ignored.

Once again, the social lives of same-sex attracted Australians are being criminalised. Once, this was done in the name of 'morality' and 'decency'. Nowadays, it is done in the name of 'inclusion' and 'human rights'. LGB Alliance does not see this as progress. We see it as The Closet 2.0.

Lesbians are a tiny minority who often struggle to find each other. Online spaces, dating apps and 'mixed' in-person events are often unwelcoming and even unsafe - full of heterosexuals, dominated by men, and rife with sexual harassment. Once, Victoria had a large, thriving lesbian community, but over the past couple of decades it has all but vanished and lesbians have suffered painful isolation as a result. It is perfectly reasonable for lesbians to want to rebuild a community in order to socialise and find partners and friends in safe, welcoming, in-person, single-sex spaces.

It beggars belief that the original creators of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 - legislation intended to help end sexism and raise the status of women - intended for the Act to be used to restrict women's access to social life and increase women's vulnerability to sexual harassment. But 2013 amendments to the Act repealed the original clear, sex-based definitions of 'man' and 'woman' and inserted a lengthy, baffling definition of ‘gender identity’ instead.

The Sex Discrimination Act in its present form is failing LGB people and women. It needs to change.

The majority of submissions to the AHRC about this matter supported the Lesbian Action Group. However, we were dismayed (although unsurprised) by the actions of mainstream rainbow organisations, who claim to represent 'the LGBTIQA+ community', in some cases with generous government and philanthropic funding. These organizations swung into action .... to demand that public lesbian gatherings be banned.

LGB Alliance was formed to counter a trend of 'LGBTIQA+' organisations failing to represent the 'LGB'. This latest episode makes clear that mainstream rainbow organisations are not only letting LGB people down: they are actively hostile towards us.

Organisations which opposed the Lesbian Action Group's application included Equality Australia, Midsumma, Switchboard, the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQI+ Communities, Human Rights Law Centre, Drummond Street Services, LGBTI Legal Service, Victorian Pride Centre, Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, Dykes on Bikes Melbourne, and Q+ Law. (See all submissions here).

But there is good news. The Lesbian Action Group received support from diverse individuals and groups from all around Australia and overseas. Of the submissions sent to the AHRC by organisations and individuals, a clear majority (397 submissions out of 498) supported the Lesbian Action Group. A Facebook survey by LOTL Magazine received 224 total votes with a 96% 'yes' response to their question 'Are you supporting the application from the Lesbian Action Group seeking exemption for 'female born lesbian' event?'

LOTL Facebook Vote

We have been truly inspired by the many different voices that were raised in support of the sex-based rights of LGB people.

We understand the Lesbian Action Group is not giving up and intends to take this challenge further. They have our full support. Meanwhile, LGB Alliance Australia is contacting organisations who campaigned against lesbian events to communicate our views on their totally unacceptable position.

We acknowledge our many members who opened their hearts and made personal submissions to the AHRC. We are keen to give our members the opportunity to share their personal submissions (de-identified) if they would like to do so - watch this space.

Your personal stories have great power to reach ordinary people and build empathy and respect. While mainstream rainbow organisations may have abandoned the LGB, we are determined to amplify your voices and bring about positive change. If you have a story you want to share, please contact us at contact@lgballiance.org.au

We are happy to receive anonymous stories and are particularly interested in how the decimation of single sex spaces for LGB has impacted you. We’re also interested in stories of what has happened for you in compulsory mixed-sex spaces under the greater LGBTIQ+, particularly in regards to harassment and unwanted sexual advances by members of the opposite sex, no matter how they identify.

Interested in becoming a member or supporter? Connect with LGB Alliance Australia here.