Did you know the collective noun for reporters is ‘gaggle’? That felt viscerally appropriate this morning. I delivered this statement to the reporters waiting outside the Federal Court after the judgement was delivered.
“Mostly I get to just live my life and be who I am. But a small group of people have taken it upon themselves to declare that I am not who I know I am and they have set about making my life miserable.
“This case and the unlawful and discriminatory exclusion from the Giggle app has stolen the last three years of my life.
“I have been targeted by hateful online commentary and degrading merchandise designed to ridicule and mock me.
“There is so much hate and bile cast on trans and gender diverse people, simply because of who we are. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that not all people think like that. When I walked into the courtroom for the hearing in April I felt safe because I was treated with courtesy and respect and allowed to tell my story.
“The hate has not just affected me, it’s hurt so many trans and gender diverse people.
“Since I found out this week that the decision is finally coming I’ve been bursting into tears at different moments because I know that soon this will be over.
“I’m pleased by the outcome of my case, and I hope it is healing for trans and gender diverse people. The ruling shows that all women are protected from discrimination. I brought my case to show trans people that you can be brave, and you can stand up for yourself. I know that I can now get on with the rest of my life and have a coffee down the road with my friends, play hockey with my team and put this horribleness behind me. “
And here is a link to the the full media statement issued on my behalf by Grata Fund … an incredibly important not-for-profit that builds a fairer world by harnessing the power of high impact strategic litigation to create structural change.
