Darebin Council to be first in Victoria to host a transgender swim night

IN a Victorian first, a controversial Melbourne council is throwing a pool party for transgender swimmers next month at an event aiming to ensure a “stress-free swim” for the gender-diverse community.

A CONTROVERSIAL Melbourne council is throwing a pool party for transgender swimmers next month.

City of Darebin will be the first to host a gender-diverse swim night.

The council confirmed the after-hours splash at Reservoir Leisure Reserve would be closed to the public.

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“To create a safe and welcoming environment, the event is only open to trans and gender-diverse people and their friends, partners and families,” community development director Katrina Knox said.

“Council has a long and proud history of supporting and celebrating diversity.

The swim night for trans and gender-diverse people will be held next month. Picture: Supplied

“We intend to continue to be leaders in this space, with the help and advice of the people who live and work in Darebin — who come up with great ideas like this one.”

The Greens-dominated council said the cost of the February 24 event would be covered by a $3 entry fee.

A number of councillors tweeted their support yesterday, including Cr Steph Amir who said it was a chance for trans and gender-diverse people to have a “stress-free swim”.

Pools have become a hotbed of national debate, with moves to install privacy curtains for Muslim swimmers and institute women-only swim times.

Evan Mulholland, from conservative think tank Institute of Public Affairs, said the event was divisive.

I'm really excited to announce that Darebin City Council will be the first council in Victoria to offer a trans and gender diverse community swim night at Reservoir Leisure Centre! Please share far and wide with your networks. @CityofDarebin #reservoir #darebin #darebinpride pic.twitter.com/tIMs9kJERM

— Cr Susanne Newton 🌈 (@susannenewton) January 23, 2018

Very proud to have been involved in initiating this! Lots of trans and gender diverse people don’t feel safe going to the pool, so this is a chance for them to have a stress-free swim. https://t.co/WdD4yEvjOF

— Steph Amir (@stephanie_amir) January 23, 2018

“Left-wing councils like Darebin like to talk a lot about equality, but in reality what they are doing is segregating their constituents,” he said.

“All ratepayers should be treated equally and be give equal access regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or background.”

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Spokesman for Equality Minister Martin Foley, Andrew Nelson, said the government applauded Darebin Council for trying to “include all Victorians in their public facilities”.

“This event will build confidence in our trans, gender diverse and intersex community – and put a stop to the isolation they so often feel,” he said.

“We want to end the discriminatory behaviours these communities face.”

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@moniquehore