Explosive twist in Australia’s ‘what is a woman’ trans battle as Harry Potter author JK Rowling gets involved
A transgender woman who won Australia’s historic ‘what is a woman’ case has taken the extraordinary step of filing a cross-appeal in a bid to improve the verdict – as JK Rowling weighs in on the bitter court case.
In September, Roxanne Tickle won a federal lawsuit against Sall Grover, the founder of the app Giggle for Girls.
Ms Grover had banned the 54-year-old from the app in 2021, arguing it was for women and that Ms Tickle was biologically male.
Ms Tickle had identified as female since 2017, had surgery two years later and was issued a new birth certificate listing her gender as female.
Judge Robert Bromwich ruled that Ms Tickle had been indirectly discriminated against and ordered Ms Grover to pay $10,000 in damages – a small portion of the $200,000 sought – and cover legal costs.
The ‘Tickle vs Giggle’ case made global headlines as it is one of the first times the vexed question of ‘what is a woman’ has been tested in court, with the judge sensationally ruling that ‘sex is fluid’.
Ms Grover, 40, is appealing the case, having previously told this publication she was prepared to go all the way to the High Court.
The mother-of-one is now being supported by prominent gender activist and Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
Giggle founder Sall Grover (pictured) is appealing last year’s ruling, after previously telling this publication she was prepared to go all the way to the Supreme Court

The mother-of-one is now being supported by prominent gender activist and Harry Potter author JK Rowling (pictured)
It is understood the pair plan to meet in Britain next month.
But now Ms Tickle has filed a cross-appeal seeking to have the court’s ruling elevated from indirect to direct discrimination.
She is also seeking to significantly increase the compensatory and aggravated damages awarded above the initial $10,000 damages and legal costs, which were capped at $50,000.
The move was confirmed by her law firm, Barry Nilsson.
“A cross-appeal has been lodged and a hearing will take place to determine this,” senior associate Tinashe Makamure said.
‘The main focus is on the finding of indirect discrimination… and whether the legal tests applied were correct.’
Ms Grover officially filed her own appeal this week, declaring her determination to defend the integrity of women-only spaces.
“Our mission has always been to provide a sanctuary for women to connect, support and express themselves freely without the interference of biological males,” Ms. Grover said.

Despite winning the case, Roxanne Tickle (pictured) has filed a cross-appeal to have the court’s ruling elevated from indirect to direct discrimination
“This call is about preserving that vision and ensuring that the justice system recognizes the reality of biological sex.”
The case has attracted significant public and legal attention, not only because of its implications for discrimination law, but also because of its wider social impact.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has made another application to intervene in the appeal.
At the first hearing, the AHRC aimed to clarify and help interpret the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act.
However, they exclusively advocated gender identity over sex.
For Mrs. Grover, sex is a biological reality assigned at birth that cannot be changed.
She is calling for this to be enshrined in law in the Sex Discrimination Act.
The AHRC intervention underlines the importance of the case in shaping future legal interpretations regarding gender identity and sex-based rights in Australia.

For Mrs. Grover, sex is a biological reality assigned at birth that cannot be changed

JK Rowling sent her ‘total solidarity’ to Ms Grover last month
Adding another layer to the legal saga, the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has also joined the fray by applying to intervene, in support of Giggle and sex-based rights.
The ACL’s involvement highlights the intersection of religious beliefs with contemporary issues of sex and privacy.
Their legal representation argues that the case touches on fundamental questions about freedom of association and the right to maintain spaces based on biological sex, which they argue must be upheld under the law.
“This case is not just about one app or one individual; it’s about setting a precedent that respects women’s unique experiences and needs in all aspects of life, including the digital world,” Ms. Grover added.
Ms Grover said that while she welcomes support from different quarters, the core issue is still protecting women’s rights to gender spaces.
“They force you to believe that men are women and if they can force you to believe that, they can force you to believe anything,” Ms Grover previously told Daily Mail Australia.
“Politicians cannot campaign to end violence against women and try to look like the good guys while literally forcing women through legislation not to be able to say ‘no’ to men.”
‘Women should be able to say no, it’s that simple.’
The first case management hearing will take place on February 12 at the Federal Court in Sydney.
Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Tickle’s representatives for comment.