Council apologises to non-binary influencer over topless pool furore

A popular city pool has apologised to an Aussie TV star who was told to “cover up” after they pointed out that men don’t have to wear tops.

A popular Sydney swimming pool has apologised to a non-binary TV star after they were told to “cover up” while using the facilities topless.

Kathleen Ebbs explained they were wearing bikini bottoms without a top during a recent visit to Dawn Fraser Baths in the city’s inner west when they were approached by a lifeguard.

The Neighbours star said “as a non-binary person I personally feel more sexualised and dysphoric when I have a bikini top on” but was told to “cover up” regardless as “someone complained because there’s children around”.

A frustrated Kathleen pointed out no men were wearing tops but was issued a warning and told it goes against pool’s dress code policy.

The Queer artist later slammed the move, arguing the real issue was that “boobs had been sexualised by the male gaze and the patriarchy”.

Inner West Council have since responded to the uproar, apologising to Kathleen and promising to “listening and learning” from their experience.

Want to stream your news? Flash lets you stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer available for a limited time only >

Kathleen Ebbs, a non-binary influencer, called out ‘sexist double standards’ after being told to ‘cover up’ at a Sydney swimming pool. Picture: Instagram/KathleenEbbs

The influencer prefers not to wear a top when swimming but was told they broke pool protocol. Picture: Instagram/KathleenEbbs

“The Inner West is a diverse community that has led the way on LGBTQ inclusion for generations,” a spokesperson for the local government authority said.

“Our aquatic centre staff enthusiastically support our ongoing program of trans and gender diverse swim events and continue to welcome swimmers with all bodies and all identities at our pools.

“Like other local governments we have a swimwear protocol, which is displayed at our swimming facilities.

“This protocol is designed to protect the amenity of all pool users.

“However, we are committed to continue to listen, learn and refine our protocols to ensure that every member of our rich and diverse community feels safe, secure, included and valued.

“We apologise to Kathleen for the incident at Dawnies and are sorry they did not feel included – that is not our intention. We welcome Kathleen back any time.”

The apology comes after Kathleen told news.com.au “it doesn’t make any sense to me that men, and male presenting people, can have their nipples and boobs out but we can’t.”

“Boobs are not innately sexual, and we know that because children don’t see them as such but society does,” Kathleen said.

“I think there’s an element of gender diversity and as we enter a more gender inclusive world things like being able to walk around without your top off is really important to that movement.

After the incident Kathleen took to Instagram to share their frustrations and was met with wide praise from followers.

“Children are probably the only f**king individuals that aren’t sexualising my boobs,” Kathleen explained.

“Because kids don’t see gender and sexuality and bodies in that way. It’s not until we get taught.

“Your parents will literally let you get dressed in public and then you hit a certain age, like 10, and then all of the sudden there’s this emphasis on covering up your boobs.

“All of the sudden your ‘private parts’ aren’t yours anymore. Why? because the f**king patriarchy and because of the male gaze and because of the society we live in.”

‘It doesn’t make any sense that men can have their nipples and boobs out but we can’t’. Picture: Instagram/KathleenEbbs

Kathleen went on to say that “as a non-binary person I personally feel more sexualised and dysphoric when I have a bikini top on” and called out the apparent double standards in the situation.

“The man that f**king complained used the kids as bait for his uncomfortability,” they said. “My genderless tits are an issue to you and you can’t just admit that, instead you have to use kids as ammunition for why I have to cover up.”

Kathleen’s video has been viewed more than 72,000 times since it was shared on Tuesday, with many people commenting to share their disappointment.

Kathleen was widely praised by social media users who labelled it a blatant example of ‘sexist double standards’. Picture: Instagram/KathleenEbbs

“This is so frustrating and upsetting,” one wrote.

“Makes me really uncomfortable that a man in Speedos is speaking for the kids about this topic, for so many reasons. Like who is he? How disturbing. I’m sorry about your experience, the world is bonkers,” another added.

As another raged: “This is so f**ked! What did they do after you asked them for their policy? Did they provide anything? Were you able to stay?”

“This is a blatant example of sexist double standards,” one mused.

Others said Kathleen was “right” and had shown “strength” by sharing their experience.

“All of this is soooo true Kath!!! Love it!!! You rock!!!” one applauded.

“F**k the patriarchy! Everyone should be allowed to have their titts out, regardless of gender,” another declared.