Transgender woman wins discrimination case in Australia

An Australian transgender woman has won a significant legal battle against a female-only social networking app, Giggle for Girls, after being removed from the platform. The Federal Court ruled that the app’s decision to revoke Roxanne Tickle’s account amounted to indirect gender identity discrimination, awarding her A$10,000 in damages plus legal costs.

The court’s decision marks the first ruling on gender identity discrimination since the country amended the Sex Discrimination Act in 2013. The judge, Robert Bromwich, highlighted that Giggle for Girls only recognised sex assigned at birth as a valid basis for identifying as a man or woman. Tickle had undergone gender-affirming surgery and had her birth certificate updated.

Experts view the ruling as a victory for transgender rights in Australia, with Professor Paula Gerber from Monash University stating that the case sends a clear message against treating transgender women differently from cisgender women. The app, which was marketed as a safe space for women, had previously suspended operations but is expected to relaunch soon.

Tickle expressed relief at the verdict, calling it ‘healing’ after facing online abuse. Giggle for Girls’ founder, Sally Grover, acknowledged the judgement and affirmed that the fight for women’s rights would continue.