The Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025 would place restrictions on unnecessary or deferrable medical treatment until the individual can give informed consent.

The legislation would also see the formation of an independent expert panel which includes people with lived experience and experts from the fields of human rights, mental health, ethics and law, who will be empowered to oversee medical treatment plans for children with variations of sex characteristics.

Treatment will only be able to be approved if the person faces significant harm without it, and no safer, effective alternative exists. Urgent and medically necessary medical care would continue without interference.

Patients and their families will be now be supported with consistent information about the relevant intersex variation, proposed treatments, risks and benefits and alternatives, including deferring or not intervening at all. Parents will still need to consent to medically necessary treatment on their child’s behalf, and clinicians will continue to lead medical care, supported by new safeguards and processes. 

Drafting of the Bill has been informed by years of advocacy from intersex advocates and LGBTIQA+ organisations, and guided by the (i) Am Equal report and the state’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy. The reforms also come in light of calls from the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Medical Association to better protect intersex people.

Advocates welcome introduction of the Bill

Intersex advocates and LGBTIQA+ organisations have welcomed the news, among them Executive Director of Intersex Human Rights Australia (IHRA), Dr Morgan Carpenter.

Dr Carpenter explains people with intersex variations routinely undergo harmful practices.

“[We undergo] unnecessary medical interventions before we can consent – to make our bodies fit gender stereotypes or to mitigate hypothetical risks of stigmatisation.”

“Unnecessary medical interventions without personal consent don’t reduce stigma – they reinforce it. The resulting loss of sensation, function and bodily autonomy all contribute to adverse physical and mental health. For decades, InterAction and our founding organisations have sought legislative protections from harmful practices. 

“Victoria is the first state and the second jurisdiction in Australia to introduce these vital reforms. We thank the government for its heartfelt support, we invite all members of parliament to support these measures, and we encourage other Australian governments to step up.”

Veteran intersex advocate and Co-Chair of InterAction for Health and Human Rights Tony Briffa says this Bill is about safeguarding every person’s right to make decisions about their own body.

“Procedures that alter sex characteristics raise profound and deeply personal questions – questions that I wish I had the chance to answer for myself,” Briffa said.

“Today is very emotional for me – I have spent 25 years fighting to see these reforms make it to parliament to protect future generations of intersex children in Victoria.

“I commend the government for introducing legislation that protects a child’s right to make these incredibly personal and intimate decisions for themselves when they are mature enough, and I call on other states to adopt similar protections.” 

Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown adds that the Bill marks a significant development in advancing the human rights of intersex people in Victoria.

“These reforms will ensure intersex people can decide what happens to their own bodies, so they are not left with the physical and psychological scars of unnecessary medical decisions made about them without their say.  

“Too many intersex people have had to live with the consequences of decisions they had no real part in – and which could have waited until they were old enough to have a say.  

“We urge all MPs to back these reforms and help protect future generations from harm.” 

If passed, Victoria will follow the Australian Capital Territory in introducing these protections for intersex children, becoming the first state to do so.

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Organised by Equality Tasmania representative Trenton Hoare, the Living Proof forum featured experts in the field alongside Amilie Courtney, a young woman with lived experience, and her parents.

Eloise Brook, CEO of Australian Professional Association for Trans Health; Yalei Wilson, clinical psychologist and; Dr Miro Rainsford, counsellor and behavioural sciences researcher, also appeared at the forum.

“We planned for 70 people to attend today’s forum but almost 100 came, so there was standing room only,” Hoare said.

“There is a significant amount of misinformation about health care for young trans and gender diverse people and the forum helped to inform members of the public about what the scientific evidence tells us.

“It was great to see so many politicians, health professionals and members of the community attending today’s forum.

“They left with a better understanding of how affirming care saves young lives and keeps families together.”

Ahead of Living Proof, Equality Tasmania’s Rodney Croome launched a new group – the Parliamentary Friends of LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians, which will be co-convened by MPs from numerous parties with a mission to inform MPs on issues of concern to our communities.

Co-convenors of the group are the Liberals Minister for Health Bridget Archer, Shadow Minister for Equality Ella Haddad, Independent Members Kristie Johnson and Meg Webb, and Tasmanian Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff.

“The most important LGBTIQA+ law reforms in our state’s history – including the decriminalisation of homosexuality, anti-discrimination protections and gender recognition laws – have been achieved with politicians working together across the parliament,” Croome said of the group’s launch.

“The Parliamentary Friends of LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians group will foster cooperation across political lines, as well as raise awareness and support among MPs by conducting events highlighting the continued discrimination and disadvantages facing the LGBTIQA+ community.”

Images: Rod Spark Photography

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Well, it’s that time of year again. Community groups are frantically adding finishing touches to their fabulous floats. Drag performers are finessing their chorey ahead of their main stage appearances. The streets of Northbridge are bracing for an explosion of sparkle. It’s the final weekend of PrideFEST for 2025.

I’ve heard many reflections on this year’s theme – We Are Here – over the last few weeks. It’s all about our community taking up space in the world. We exist here on Whadjuk Noongar Country in Perth, across the state, and around the globe. We belong in workplaces, organisations and spaces throughout society. We are here, and we’re not going anywhere.

Alongside these reflections, there has been much discussion about the rise of anti-LGBTIQA+ sentiment in physical and online spaces. This is certainly happening. When it was revealed that the 2030 Gay Games would be coming to Perth, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Pride WA and Team Perth, social media posts were flooded with nasty, disgusting, hateful comments. Recently, the Perth Rainbow Swans spoke to mainstream media about the vile torrent of bile they experienced ahead of their Pride Swimming Carnival. When these stories were mentioned the office of my day job, my colleagues were shocked this is happening in 2025. While I wish I were surprised, both anti-LGBTIQA+ voices and the apathy of those with power and influence, have long been chipping away at our protective social barriers.

At least two members of the WA Government, John Carey and Hannah Beazley, have publicly condemned this emerging rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. As Minister for Youth, Beazley has also championed work on the state’s first LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy and accompanying Action Plan. The government should be commended for the progress they have made. I cannot, however, glaze over their role in what is happening here. In opposition, both state and federal Labor parties featured vocal leaders in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. In government, they have actively backed away from our corner.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese removed mention of LGBTQIA+ people from Labor’s manifesto ahead of his first election as leader. In 2017, WA Labor promised a suite of reforms long-awaited by our communities. Since Mark McGowan’s first election as Premier they have dragged their feet to roll these reforms out – abolition of the Gender Reassignment Board, expunging historical LGBTQ+ convictions, and now surrogacy reform is close to reality. We’re still waiting for changes to the Equal Opportunity Act to protect students and teachers in faith-based schools. There is no reason these changes needed to be dropped as breadcrumbs for us to nibble on across a decade. Real leadership means taking decisive action, speaking up for us at every opportunity, and visibly condemning discrimination and hate speech – not stepping back and letting it play out. I am sure there are people fighting hard for progress within the party, but at the end of the day, ‘better than the other guys’ is just not enough.

Our trans and gender diverse siblings have also been in the crosshairs for quite some time. A global campaign of misinformation, lies, fear-mongering and straight up hatred has kept some of the most vulnerable people in our communities splashed across sensational headlines and in the mouths of ignorant politicians for years. Between the UK Government’s blind acceptance of the flawed Cass Review, and President Trump’s penchant for using trans people as a political football, of course elements of the public would become emboldened to share their twisted views about our communities more broadly.

I can also speak to my own experience. Just recently I was on a date, it was a Tuesday night and this fella and I were holding hands as we walked down William Street. It was relatively busy for a weekday evening, people were out getting ice cream or a late night meal. A group of young people, perhaps high school age or in their early 20s, drove past filming us and shouting some slurs you can probably imagine. I laughed it off and told them where to go. They drove past again, asking what I said. This time, I stayed quiet, we continued walking. As we arrived on the corner of William and James St, I heard a voice very close to my left ear.

“What the fuck did you say to me?”.

The four kids from the car had surrounded me. I didn’t know how to react. I was angry and I didn’t want to back down. I silently looked him in the eye as he continued to berate me.

“I don’t care if there’s fucking cops across the road mate. They won’t care. I’m not afraid of them.”

I remained quiet. I held my date’s hand tighter. There was so much I wanted to say but, for my safety, decided not to. I looked to one of the young women with this charming chap. I thought I might elicit some sympathy.

“Don’t look at me faggot. I hate you too.”

That one stung. Thankfully they left.

After a decade in this business, I often believe I am numb to these things. I’ve realised that’s a lie I tell myself. I was shaken, humiliated and forced to confront my place in the world. On a Tuesday night? I just wanted some mapo tofu.

I decided to share this experience because it has been a catalyst for much reflection, not just on this year’s Pride theme. This personal confrontation, in the context of these amplifying anti-queer voices, was a much-needed reminder of where I find my Pride. There are few things I am certain about in my life – but at the top of that list is my commitment to work for this community. The value I find in keeping OUTinPerth alive has long been a driving force in my life, but I’ve often avoided writing opinion pieces because I find myself asking – who cares what I think? Why does my voice matter?

I know now my answer – I care. I care what I think, and I believe in what we do. Serving this community gives me great pride, and I have never been more galvanised to wield this platform to share your stories, connect our community and squash our critics.

All of this is to say, we are here – together. We have each other to lean on. We all have our own experiences, our own wellsprings of Pride, but as a community we can and must stand side by side in solidary, continue to lift each other up and raise our voices in unison. After all, as Aretha said, it’s the power that gives you the strength to survive.

So however you choose to celebrate – in the streets, on the dancefloor or curled up on the couch – get amongst it and honour the journey we’ve made together, that our forebears have made for us, so we could march boldly through the streets of our city awash with rainbows, glitter and Pride.

Do you need some support?

If you need someone to talk to, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

The post OPINION | Pride offers strength to survive in the face of rising hate appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Following the release of the deluxe edition of her debut album Louder Please – appropriately titled A Little Louder, Please – Gray is coming to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney in 2026.

The London-born and raised artist has a great love for club classics, fusing an addictive pop sound with the high energy of a late-night dancefloor.

Building on the success of her outstanding singles Angel of Satisfaction, Free, Wet & Wild and more, the deluxe album includes remixes and new versions with fellow pop favourites JADE, Melanie C, and Shygirl to name a few.

As part of the tour, Gray will be performing at Australia’s first outing of the UK’s famed Mighty Hoopla festival, where she will share the stage with Kesha, Becky Hill, Delta Goodrem, Countess Luann and many more.

Rose Gray is coming to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in February 2026. For more, head to mg.live/rosegray

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The document reveals which questions will be included in the 2026 Census, as well as when and how the data will be released.

The ABS has confirmed the Census will include questions on gender and sexuality, which will provide vital data for understanding Australia’s LGBTQ+ communities.

“Today’s release of the 2026 Census topics and data release plan follows a period of extensive public consultation and testing to ensure the Census produces high-quality data that reflects contemporary Australia,” said Census General Manager, Jenny Telford.

“The 2026 Census will deliver richer insights, with the addition of a new topic on gender and sexual orientation, and updates to existing topics to meet emerging data needs.”

“We will make Census results freely available across a range of products making it easier than ever for people to access and use.”

The next Census will ask questions on both sex recorded at birth, as well as gender, to better understand Australia’s transgender and gender diverse population. Another question will be included on sexual orientation, with options for straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual or a space to specify on your own terms.  

National LGBTIQA+ advocacy organisation Equality Australia has welcomed the news that LGBTQ+ population data will be available in 2027.

“In 2027, we will finally have a more complete picture of who we are as a nation, including where LGBTQ+ adults live, what our jobs are, our health issues, where we go to school and what our families look like,” said Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown.

“We still know so little about LGBTQ+ Australians because the 2021 Census failed to meaningfully count people of diverse sexualities and genders, and our families.”

The last Australian Census, held in 2021, did not include questions identifying respondents sexuality or gender. Proposed new questions were dumped by the ABS in 2019 following intervention from then Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar. The ABS issued an apology for excluding LGBTIQA+ Australians in 2023.

In 2021, Labor publicly opposed the decision to exclude LGBTIQA+ Australians from the Census, with then Shadow Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones urging for questions on sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics to be included.

Labor position changed since forming government under Anthony Albanese, who dropped his party promise to include LGBTIQA+ people in the 2026 Census back in 2024. Frontbenchers described the decision as a strategy to avoid “nastiness” and “divisive debates”. After an overwhelming public outcry on the backflip, Labor reverted to their original position.

The next Census of Population and Housing will be held on 11 August 2026.

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The Cook Government announced funding for the Strategy in February last year, revealing support would be provided to community organisations Living Proud WA, Transfolk WA and GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc (GRAI) to support its development and implementation.

These three organisations led development of the Strategy alongside the Department of Communities and Rainbow Futures WA – which was named as the state’s LGBTIQA+ peak body during this process. Rainbow Futures WA also delivered a roadmap for the Strategy in August this year.

The Strategy was further informed by consultation with LGBTIQA+ individuals, organisations and communities, with 2,400 responses received, as well as an LGBTIQA+ Reference Group to ensure lived experience was embedded throughout.

The 10-year Strategy identifies four priority areas for a whole-of-government approach to LGBTIQA+ inclusion in WA: belonging, connection and visibility; safety, equity and wellbeing; systems, services and data; and leadership, education and awareness.

Through these key areas and complementary five-year action plan, the Strategy aims to drive inclusion and promote the wellbeing and full social and economic participation of all LGBTIQA+ people in WA.

Minister for Youth Hannah Beazley says the Cook Labor Government is proud to deliver the Strategy and Action Plan.

“This is a major milestone for inclusivity in WA and will help drive long-term, meaningful change,” Minister Beazley said.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who had input into the Strategy; it is so important to have a diverse range of voices reflected in this Plan.”

Minister Beazley says the government is also pleased to be supporting organisations and local governments. Within the Action Plan is the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Grants Program, with $252,000 available each year for four years to support pilot programs, initiatives and projects that align with the Strategy.

The funding is available through two streams, with grants up to $10,000 for eligible organisations or local governments, and $25,000 for collaborative projects.

Applications for the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Grants Program are now open, closing at 3pm on Monday, 16 February 2026.

More information about the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan is available here.

Editors note: The Action Plan was not published at the time of writing this article. OUTinPerth will provide further detail and analysis once available.

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A truly home-grown Western Australian musical has premiered in Perth this weekend, and it’s a glitzy, high-energy and heartfelt love letter to Australia’s rich theatre history.

Tivoli Lovely is a remarkable project, which saw acclaimed playwright Eddie Perfect collaborate with students from his alma mater – the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts – to develop this musical over the last three years.

The performance opens with the precocious Charlotte (Zoe Davidson-Wall), a 15-year-old who is desperate to find an ‘elder’ to speak to for her school project. Here she meets the 85-year-old ex chorus girl Kitty (Caroline McKenzie), who has no time for nonsense, but plenty of time for stories. The pair serve as narrators throughout, as Kitty’s humble living room transforms into a flurry of dancers, lights and revelry as she reflects on her life.

Kitty starts her tale from the beginning in 1954. She’s the newest girl among the Tivoli Lovelies, a showgirl troupe among the lineup of the Tivoli theatre’s famed variety show. It’s a rag-tag group: Evelyn the American girl who can’t stop smiling, Bridget the stagehand and proud lesbian, clowns, sheep and of course – The Eleven Kevins.

When the Eleven Kevins, a singing, tap-dancing powerhouse variety group, suddenly becomes ten, the headline act and its leader Daddy (Sebastian Cruse) are desperate to make sure the name of their act still rhymes so they don’t lose their hook. But do they need to go back to Eleven Kevins, when they could be Seven?

This is where the plot unravels in unexpected and hilarious ways. Along the Tivoli’s Australian tour, the members find love, courage and community as more Kevin’s start turning up dead. This absurd whirlwind plot is puntuated with well-timed, uniquely Australian gags that make Tivoli Lovely as hilarious as it is impressive. Honestly, leaning further into the comedy would have elevated this show to even greater heights.

And impressive these students are. These second- and third-year WAAPA musical theatre students are already performing at a professional level. They are all extraordinary singers, dancers and actors, keeping the audience enthralled throughout the two-hour plus performance, flawlessly executing the dynamic choreography while singing the house down. This brilliance is complemented by the soaring, lively music under the direction of Zara Stanton and the dazzling, transforming sets by Dann Barber that seamlessly transport the audience from a dim, suburban living room to the bright lights of the Tivoli stage.

Tivoli Lovely is an impressive feat, and clearly a labour of love for these students and creative team. It’s heartening to see a uniquely Australian story told with such powerful execution, infused with joy, flair and humour.

Tivoli Lovely will be at the Heath Ledger Theatre until Friday, 14 November. For more, head to artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au

Declaration: OUTinPerth co-editor Graeme Watson is an employee of Edith Cowan University.

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Club Silly is a regular themed party led by women, lesbians, intersex folks, non-binary and trans people and asexuals (also abbreviated as FLINTA), dedicated to creating space to be connected, playful, weird and extra.

The Club’s mission is to create space that prioritises safety and accessibility, as well as community connection, with a melange of activities to get around – from DJs and drag performances, to craft areas, facepainting and low-sensory areas, Club Silly has it all.

This month’s party is Bug themed – whether you’re a moth, beetle, bee, termite or spider (we don’t descriminate between insects and arachnids here) – bring your silliest or most fabulous costume for a chance to win the best dressed prize.

The line-up is also buzzing, with performances, tunes and good times provided by Agapantha, Bushrat, Pussy Pussy Willow, Lala, Cooper Cooper and the Lubly Dae Crew. You can also catch Mel Glimmers on face painting duties, and get glammed up by Mami Nails.

Pre-sale is almost sold-out, but there will be plenty of tickets at the door! Entry is free for First Nations people and Companion Cardholders. The team also welcome folks reaching out for a hand if you need support getting your ticket.

Get down to Club Silly at The Bird this Friday, 7 November from 7pm. For more, head to Humanitix.

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The team have announced the Perth Rainbow Swans Pride Carnival will be back for 2025, held at the iconic Beatty Park Leisure Centre in the City of Vincent.

The Swans are setting out to champion LGBTIQA+ inclusion in professional level swimming, giving everyone the opportunity to challenge their skills at swimming in a welcoming, inclusive and friendly environment.

People of all abilities are welcome to come and join the fun, with individual and relay races open to the community, as well as events for the more competitive swimmers.

The always fabulous BarbieQ will be hosting the event, with DJ Rachel Harvey providing a nourishing soundtrack to get you through the day.

Perth Rainbow Swans Pride Carnival 2025 will be held at Beatty Park Leisure Centre on Saturday, 15 November. For more head to Facebook or register here.

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Team Perth has announced the return of the Faction Carnival, a special event celebrating Pride with a selection of classic childhood games and friendly competition where everyone is invited to join in the fun.

Whether it’s tunnelball or the flag race, or the Perth Gay Olympics classic the handbag toss, participants will form colourful teams and embrace the carnival spirit.

Team Perth Chair Justin Barnes says the local peak body for LGBTIQA+ sport is excited to mark five years of this iconic event.

“Faction Carnival is all about fun, visibility and community,” Barnes said.

“It’s not about being the fastest or strongest – it’s about showing up, playing together and celebrating who we are.”

Faction Carnival will bring together up to 150 participants for a range of classic and unusual games where everyone can get involved. There will also be a DJ bringing the tunes throughout the day.

The Faction Carnival will be held at UWA Sports Park, McGillivray Oval, where the original Perth Gay Olympics were held from the late 70s to the 90s.

Faction Carnival will be held on Saturday, 8 November. For more, head to teamperth.org

Featured images: Luke Riley Photography, Shutterpups and Peter King.

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