Two transwomen suffered injuries during an unprovoked attack at a Port Melbourne dance party on Sunday morning. Two men bashed and robbed Quinn Tough and Chyna after one first asked for a cigarette.
The attack happened soon after the two women arrived at the Port Melbourne dance party.
Quinn posted on Instagram that she and Chyna overheard men behind them making slurs before a man sat down and asked for a cigarette.
“I said no because I was running low, the group of men behind Chyna saying transphobic slurs, threatening to bash and rob me.
“Before I even realised what was happening, I get a punch to the face leaving me on the ground.”
The man snatched Quinn’s bag and kicked her when she grabbed for it. He also kicked Chyna when she tried to grab his leg.
After Quinn called to a nearby man for help he also started yelling slurs and threats.
“You don’t want to be doing this. We’ve got knives, I’m going to f*ck you up.”
Three men then surrounded Chyna, ripping at her hair and clothes and kicking her.
The men fled on foot with the women’s bags.
Dozens of people nearby
Quinn Tough said none of the dozens of people nearby came to her and Chyna’s assistance.
Victorian Police said an armed robbery task force was investigating the crime.
A fundraiser to help the two women so far raised almost $25,000.
If you are in immediate danger of a criminal assault, call Triple Zero (000).
If you need someone to talk to, help is always available. Contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
Also: Trans people face ‘unparalleled’ violence, hate crime inquiry hears.
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This is absolutely disgusting behaviour, and it makes me terrified to admit that I’m also Transgender and reside in Melbourne.
Melbourne used to be a safe and accepting place to live, but not any more.
All this talk about being accepted for who we are is total BS.
Unfortunately we will never be excepted completely.
The Gay and Trans community need to stick together and always remember that we are all each others family and Brothers and Sisters.
I love my Gay family regardless of who they are.
All this talk of equality and acceptance at World Pride is all well and good but it belies the reality that many, especially trans folk, in our community face on a daily basis
The fact that no-one came to their acceptance is also disgusting. What’s wrong with people?
Hopefully when these offenders are brought to justice their offence is charged under hate crime legislation.
These women were targetted BECAUSE they are trans and that is a hate crime.
I agree totally.
The community needs to take a good hard look at ourselves and stop the blatant racism, misogyny, fat shaming and transphobia coming from within our ranks.
Our community has always been broad Church and our members are diverse.
Anyone who espouses those bigoted attitudes need to be told in no uncertain terms that it is them who have no place in the community not those they villify.