Transphobic billboard in Australia causes widespread controversy

Right-wing group ‘Advance Australia’ is using billboards to campaign against trans women’s participation in sports

The phrase “Women’s sport is not for men” can be seen alongside images of iconic Australian swimmers Dawn Fraser, Emma McKeon, and Emily Seebohm.

The three athletes have all been vocal about their concerns about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.

McKeon has previously said she “personally would not want to be racing against someone who is biologically a male”.

The Australian Olympic Committee and Swimming Australia are now threatening legal action claiming the group is using the intellectual property without permission.

The athletes are pictured in their Olympic uniforms and the AOC claims the Olympics rings are being displayed without permission.

Despite the criticism, the ‘Advance Australia’ is refusing to remove the billboards.

Transgender athletes

This comes amid widespread concerns for the mental well-being of transgender people wanting to compete in women’s sports after facing backlash and discrimination.

Many agree there are fair arguments for both sides of this debate, but there are urgent calls for regulations and broader discussions so that it is fair for everyone, without discrimination.

Most recently, in the United Kingdom, a transgender athlete Emily Bridges was banned from competing in a cycling event despite undergoing the required hormone therapy for twelve months.