Kulturkampf

[Potato]

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/10/ceo-of-female-only-app-would-not-address-trans-woman-as-ms-sydney-court-hears-ntwnfb

A court has heard that the founder and CEO of a women-only social media app will not address a transgender woman as “Ms”, saying “I don’t think it’s kind to expect a woman to see a man as a woman”.

Roxanne Tickle is suing Giggle for Girls and its CEO, Sall Grover, for alleged unlawful discrimination after Tickle’s membership of the female only networking app was revoked in September 2021. Tickle is seeking damages.

Costello asked Grover if she would “call her Ms Tickle in real life?”

“No,” Grover answered. When asked if that was kind, Grover said: “I don’t think that it’s kind to expect a woman to see a man as a woman.”

The court was told that, as part of crowdfunding efforts towards covering Giggle’s legal costs, an Etsy shop is selling Team Giggle merchandise, including a $37.70 “Sweaty Balls Team Giggle” scented candle which features a “demeaning” image of Tickle.

When questioned whether she understood that the product was deeply offensive to the applicant, Grover said that “offence is very subjective”.

As part of her argument, Costello described a transgender woman who had a female birth certificate, hormone therapy, breasts, gender affirmation surgery, wore makeup and women’s clothes, had a woman’s hairstyle and used women’s facilities.

“I suggest to you that that is a woman in our society,” said Costello.

“I don’t agree,” replied Grover.

The landmark case is the first time gender identity discrimination laws have been tested in the federal court. Changes to the Sex Discrimination Act in 2013 made it unlawful under federal law to discriminate against a person on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

Definitions of sex, gender and what it means to be a woman are central to the case.

She said she had messaged evolutionary biologist Colin Wright to seek advice. Wright is expected to give evidence in the trial.