Religious discrimination bill: Magda Szubanski speaks up for transgender teens

The past week has been a bruising one for the LGBTQI community and especially transgender kids, says Magda Szubanski.

The Australian actor, 60, who identifies as gay, posted a video in support of trans teens on Instagram on Sunday, adding the hashtag #ReligiousDiscriminationBill.

Magda did not mention the government’s doomed religious anti-discrimination bill at all in the 30-second clip, but it was clear she’d spent a long time thinking about it.

Looking drained, the Kath & Kim star sounded emotional, and at times her voice choked as she delivered her message of reassurance.

‘Hi, there,’ she told followers, ‘ I know this has been another one of those awful, bruising weeks for trans kids and for the LGBTQI people in general.

‘And I just want to say especially to trans kids, that we stand by you and with you.’

The star of Happy Feet and Babe, who came out in 2012 and describes herself as a ‘cultural Catholic’, told trans teenagers: ‘Know that there are many people out there of different faiths who completely love and affirm you.’

She signed off by saying: ‘Lots of love. Take care.’

Magda’s post comes amid concerns within the LGBTQI community that the proposed religious discrimination bill may give religious schools the right to expel students on the basis of their sexual identity. 

The star of Happy Feet, Babe and Kath & Kim, who came out in 2012, told Trans Children take care.

Trans children are particularly vulnerable under the new bill. 

The future of the proposed legislation is in doubt, however. 

Right now the Senate has postponed debating the bill due to lack of support.

An outspoken advocate for the gay, lesbian and transgender community, Magda has been credited by many as being crucial to the success of the campaign for same-sex marriage, which was legalised in Australia in 2017.

An outspoken advocate for the Gay and Transgender community, Magda has been credited by many as being crucial to the success of the campaign for same-sex marriage, which was legalised in Australia in 2017.