A legal battle is brewing between the Wellington Pride Festival (WPF) and Lesbian Action for Visibility Aotearoa (Lava), a lesbian group that holds views considered anti-trans. The dispute centers on WPF’s 2021 decision to deny Lava a stall at their annual gala, citing concerns raised by the community about the group’s stance on transgender individuals.

WPF board co-chair Tasmin Prichard defended the decision, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and equal rights for trans people. Prichard also highlighted the festival’s rigorous selection process for stalls, which prioritizes those that contribute positively to the overall experience of attendees.

Lava, however, argues that the rejection constitutes unlawful discrimination and is seeking redress through the Human Rights Review Tribunal. The group contends that their stall, intended to promote lesbian visibility, was denied based on their belief that biological sex is immutable. Lava claims they were not offered a chance to discuss the matter with WPF before their application was rejected.

Marg Curnow and Hilary Oxley, representing Lava, view the legal action as a crucial step in defending the rights of lesbians to organize without the inclusion of transgender women. They hope the case will spark broader conversations about the complex issues surrounding sex, gender, and identity.

The dispute escalated further when Lava held a demonstration outside the 2021 festival, alleging that a lesbian participant was barred from re-entering the event. WPF disputes this claim.

The case is scheduled to be heard next year, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of Pride events and their approach to inclusivity.