A legal challenge in Australia is raising questions about the future of female-only spaces, as a pole dance studio owner defends her business's policy against a discrimination complaint.
Nomes Witney, owner of Queens of Pole, a women-only pole fitness studio with two locations on the Gold Coast, has been referred to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The case stems from a complaint filed by a biological male who identifies as a transgender woman, seeking AUD $30,000 in damages after being refused membership. The complainant attended a free introductory class at the studio, which explicitly states on its website that it offers services exclusively to biological females.
Witney, who opened Queens of Pole in 2017, stated that the studio was founded to provide a space for women to build confidence and fitness without sexualization. She noted that many members join after experiencing trauma, including domestic violence and sexual assault, seeking a supportive environment free from men. The studio serves a wide age range of clients, from teenagers to women in their late 60s.
According to Witney, the complainant's identity was disclosed after the introductory class concluded, by which time other participants, including a mother and her adult daughter, appeared visibly uncertain. When the complainant later submitted a membership application identifying as female, Witney upheld the studio's policy, informing the individual via email that the business could not accommodate ongoing access under its female-only model. A complaint was lodged with the Queensland Human Rights Commission just two days later.
The case has highlighted broader legal uncertainties in Australia regarding whether anti-discrimination laws permit the establishment of spaces based on biological sex, or if they must accommodate individuals born male who identify as women. This situation follows a 2013 amendment to Australia's Sex Discrimination Act, which redefined 'trans women' as women. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody has stated that transgender women are protected from workplace discrimination.
Legal battles surrounding gender identity have impacted various female-only services across Australia, including sexual assault centers. Sall Grover, who is supporting Witney in the case, argues that this situation demonstrates issues with gender ideology, suggesting that making a complaint against a women-only establishment is intentional.
Witney stated that she has been asked why she doesn't change her policy to accommodate biological males or transgender women, or to abandon the process. She maintains that the purpose for which Queens of Pole was founded is worth defending. She emphasized that the case is not about disrespecting anyone's identity but about whether female-only spaces can continue to exist for their original purpose.
Witney indicated that she acted with integrity throughout the process and stood by the values her business was founded upon. She believes the outcome of the case is important for the proper consideration of these issues through the legal process. The studio owner's husband reportedly encouraged her to fight for her business and its safe space. He is in full support of her stance, not only for her own business but for other single-sex based businesses as well.