LGBTI activists protest Katherine Deves’ anti-transgender comments

Groups of LGBT activists have targeted Warringah’s Liberal candidate Katherine Deves in a fiery protest, marching through Manly over her comments on transgender athletes.

Loud and angry activists took to the streets of Manly today to protest against the government’s continued endorsement of Warringah Liberal candidate Katherine Deves and her resurfaced anti-LBGTI comments.

The Community Action for Rainbow Rights rallied an energised crowd of about 100 people, young and old, including a baby and a dog, outside Hotel Steyne on The Corso in Manly.

Leading with a banner that read “get lost transphobes, no to bigotry”, the group chanted and marched down the main strip towards Manly Wharf with placards and megaphones blaring strong messages of criticism at both Ms Deves and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

One protester held up a large cardboard sign covered in black marker that said “Half my trans girl friends are dead. Go f*** yourself. Down with Deves”.

LGBT activists held a rally outside Hotel Steyne at The Corso in Manly to protest Warringah Liberal candidate Katherine Deves following her resurfaced anti-transgender tweets. Picture: Dana Pendrick

Another featured Deves smiling face next to a screenshot of one of her resurfaced tweets that attempted to establish a link between transgender males and sex offenders.

Activist Emma Terry said Deves’ comments formed just one “part of a broader campaign” of attacking transgender people.

One placard featured Deves’ smiling face next to a screenshot of one of her resurfaced anti-transgender tweets. Picture: Dana Pendrick

Asked what she makes of the current debate questioning transgender women’s rights to play sport with and against biological women, Ms Terry responded that it was also a part of the same campaign and was a “cover” for bigotry.

“I think it’s really part of a broader campaign of attacking transgender rights and wedging a divide between communities,” she said.

“Anyone who stands up in parliament or has a media platform to espouse these views from a really right wing perspective should be met on the streets with their bigotry.

“It’s a cover. It’s unacceptable to say ‘I hate transpeople’.”

Liberal candidate for Warringah, Katherine Deves. Picture: Supplied

The Community Action for Rainbow Rights. Picture: Dana Pendrick

She added: “It’s totally bulls***. These people are beating them down. They’re kept out of schools and it’s just an excuse, it’s a cover. They can’t come out and say ‘I’m a bigot’ because it will mobilise resistance.”

The noise of the protesters caused heads to turn in the streets, seeing some people whip their phones out to capture the crowd in action.

About 10 police stood closely behind the demonstrators and followed them to the ferry terminal at Manly Wharf before activists dispersed.

The group is planning to host another protest fighting similar causes on June 25 with the location yet to be confirmed.