Activists hold swim-in for trans inclusion at McIver’s Baths
The transphobic entry policy of the baths has been met with strong public backlash. Photo Courtesy: Lauren Lancaster
CW: Transphobia
About 100 protestors gathered this morning at the Coogee Pavilion to protest the recent amendment of the McIver’s Women’s Baths entry policy, prohibiting the entry of trans women who had not undergone full gender affirming surgery. The demands included that the pool release a trans-inclusive statement and issue a full apology to those impacted by the exclusive ban.
McIver’s Ladies Baths, built in 1886, is Australia’s only coastal pool to be granted an exemption from the Anti-Discrimination Act by the NSW government, in 1995. Recently, the Randwick and Coogee Ladies Swimming Association (which operates the baths) attracted criticism for a response to a question on their website, which asked: “Are transgender women allowed?” “Only transgender women
Barzura, Sydney
‘My wife is Australian, so we go to Sydney quite often with our five children. I feel sorry for the other people on the plane. When we turn up you can see them thinking, “Ahh, what charming children,” then their faces change, to “Fuck, no – five kids?!” There are so many fantastic breakfast spots here: The Boathouse on Balmoral Beach, the Coogee Pavilion… but this is the one I always return to. I’ll go for a run first, then eat with the family and stop by Iggy’s Bread bakery up the road on the way home to pick up the best sourdough.’
Mimi s brings luxe Mediterranean vibes to Coogee Pavilion
Scott Bolles
Photo: Steven Woodburn
It s only January, but Justin Hemmes new venue has already set an impossibly high bar for 2020 s new restaurant contenders.
There s a squadron of marble-topped kitchen benches that push deep into the dining room Fred s-style. Mimi s is layered in luxe, highlighting its art deco lines.
Photo: Steve Woodburn
Throw in sleek European cooking equipment and a wine room that looks like a shrine to Bacchus. We love a sense of occasion but without the pretentiousness, says Mimi s executive chef Jordan Toft.
That doesn t stop Toft encouraging diners to start a meal with a hit of caviar. The chef also likes to talk about the generosity of space at Mimi s.