Excited to be on the panel for this Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras event in partnership with UNSW on the 17th of February 2026.
Mon Schafter | Kath Ebbs | Kate Rowe | Jackie Turner
We’ve come a long way since references to lesbians could potentially land you jail-time and lesbian culture was less visible in literature and the arts, social commentary and public life. From anthemic pop icons Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish to commercially successful flicks like Bottoms and Love Lies Bleeding, lesbian culture is having a moment.
In the fifty years since the rallying cry “Lesbians are Lovely!” was sprawled across walls, bodies and picket boards in the fight for recognition and liberation, there have been many developments in queer identity and culture. But are we making space for all lesbians and how can we celebrate every part of our community?
Join UNSW’s Centre for Ideas for an evening of all things lesbian and lovely. Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, presenter and producer Mon Schafter (they/she) and featuring a trailblazing lineup of panellists, including Kate Rowe (she/her), an activist and advocate ‘78er who marched in the original Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras; Kath Ebbs (they/she) queer actor, presenter and content creator; and Jackie Turner (she/her), trans woman, social justice and climate organiser, and Director of Trans Justice Project.
This event is co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas (in collaboration with Dr Yves Rees) and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Kate Rowe 