Transexual lesbian loses party bias case

Posted on April 26, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized

A TRANSEXUAL lesbian banned from attending an all-female party has had her discrimination case thrown out.

Dr Tracie O’Keefe lost her three-year battle this week, after the Equal Opportunity Tribunal ruled the organisers of “Sappho’s Party” – an all-lesbian event held in Adelaide – were within their rights to refuse her entry.

The Sydney psychotherapist wrote to organisers in 2005 after she was handed a flyer advertising the Adelaide Hills party.

“I am someone who has lived as a woman for 35 years and considered in my country of origin, England, and my adopted country, Australia, as legally female,” Dr O’Keefe wrote.

“Although initially I was raised as a boy, I have lived as a female since I was 15 years old, where I was still legally a child, therefore I was raised both male and female. I would like to come to your event with my long-term female partner of 12 years.”

But a reply sent to Dr O’Keefe refused her request. “. . . this event is specifically being organised for those lesbians raised female from birth who feel the need to meet as a specific group,” organisers wrote.

“Our intention is affirmative action for this group. Therefore it is not appropriate for you to attend.”

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