In the wake of Pauline Hanson’s address at the National Press Club, where she referenced a so-called “transgender insurgency” Brisbane’s Gay Skate has turned her words into a powerful symbol of resistance. This trans/queer-owned business, known for its all-ages LGBTQIA+SB roller skating events in Magandjin/Brisbane, has reclaimed the phrase and is using it to support an anti-trans counter protest in Queensland this weekend.
The dynamic duo behind Gay Skate, Jas and Storm, have been instrumental in connecting with the community and raising funds through their merchandise. Their journey began with simple T-shirts and stickers, which have become a significant part of skate culture.
From Rage to Action: The Birth of a Movement
As the discourse surrounding the trans community grew increasingly hostile, Jas and Storm channeled their frustration into action. Their T-shirts now bear powerful messages such as “Defend Trans Lives”“F**k Terfs” and a playful twist on Hanson’s phrase, “Transgender Insurgency” and “Transexual Insurgency”.
“That statement went into pure rage,” Storm shared. “We’re so tired and over it, and people love the tee.” The couple admits that the night of Hanson’s speech left them fueled by anger, working late into the night to design their merchandise.
Merchandise as a Tool for Change
The response to their merchandise has been overwhelming. What started as a few T-shirts a day has grown to forty, with allies and community members eagerly purchasing items like stickers that read “A trans person peed here” and “I love my trans family”.
“We use the fundraising to supply all the resources towards that, like N95 masks and heaps of free trans flags and megaphones,” Jas explained. This direct funding supports activist groups organizing a counter-protest against Hanson and the push to change the Sex Discrimination Act.
Visibility and Community Support
For Jas and Storm, visibility is everything. Their merchandise not only funds community initiatives but also serves as a physical symbol of support. “I’ve had people come up to me and say how meaningful it is to see someone be visible and so supportive,” Storm said.
The counter-protest supporting the trans community will take place on Saturday, July 12, from 9:30 am at King George Square in Brisbane. This event is a testament to the power of community and the importance of standing up against hate.
“If everyone just carved out a little bit of safe space in what they do and where they do it for queer and trans young people, that’s how we survive,” Jas said. “That’s how we thrive, that’s how we win against all that rhetoric and hate.”
Storm added, “Trans people, especially trans young people, are such a small part of the community. We really need the wider community to stand up, to help and stand out and just be there for us.”
