Lesbians are being pressured to have sex with trans women.

That’s the claim now being pushed in Australia’s Federal Court by the so-called “Lesbian Action Group”, in support of Giggle app founder Sally Grover.

Grover is currently appealing a ruling that found she unlawfully discriminated against a transgender woman, Roxanne Tickle, by banning her from using her female-only networking app, Giggle. The court found that rejecting Tickle solely because she is a trans woman breached the Sex Discrimination Act.

Now, in her appeal, Grover argues that “female-only spaces for biological women” must be protected by law. She and her supporters claim that lesbians face “unwanted pressure to have sex with trans women” and risk “social isolation” if they don’t comply.

They argue that trans women pose a danger to lesbian spaces — and that the law should redefine “woman” to exclude trans women altogether.

They present this narrative as if it reflects the experience and beliefs of all lesbians. It does not.

Their sweeping claims attempt to use our identities as a tool to undermine and exclude trans women.

We, the undersigned, reject this entirely

Grover does not speak for us.

Neither Grover nor the “Lesbian Action Group” represent the views or lived experiences of the broader lesbian and queer community. Nor do they represent the views of our community and allies.

Their framing of trans women as a threat to lesbians and women is not only false — it's dangerous.

These narratives fuel division, encourage exclusion, and directly harm trans women, including trans lesbians, who are a valued and essential part of our community.

Being a lesbian is not about gatekeeping. It is not about policing womanhood. It is not about exclusion.

Lesbians, bi women, trans women, non-binary people and other gender diverse people have always existed together — in solidarity, in community, and in resistance.

We stand against any attempt to weaponise lesbian identity against trans people.

We reject Grover’s attempt to erase trans women from anti-discrimination protections under the guise of “protecting” us.

And, we will not allow TERFs to exclude our trans sisters from our community.

In this moment, with trans communities across Australia facing growing discrimination and attacks, we say clearly: Grover and the Lesbian Action Group do not speak for us. They never will.

We stand for inclusion, for solidarity, and for a future where all women — cis and trans — and all queer, non-binary and gender diverse people can find safety and belonging.

This hate has no place in our community.

Add your name

We’re calling on lesbians, bi+ women, trans women, non-binary people, gender diverse people, organisations, and allies to sign this open letter.

Together, we can send a clear message:

We stand with our trans sisters — and we always will.