Counsellor Facing Tribunal for Disputing Male-to-Female Breastfeeding Claims
An experienced breastfeeding volunteer is facing backlash for her views on transgender breastfeeding. The volunteer, Victoria Jasmine Sussex, has been targeted by male-to-female trans person Jennifer Buckley for her beliefs. Sussex’s objections to the idea of biological males breastfeeding have led to complaints and legal action in Queensland. Buckley has alleged that Sussex’s comments were hurtful and that she had been vilified online.
Sussex has refused to use terms like “chest feeding” and has criticized the trend towards gender-neutral language in breastfeeding circles. She believes that breastfeeding should be reserved for mothers and babies and has called for stronger protective measures to maintain this boundary. Sussex has also highlighted the lack of laws or regulations regarding male-to-female breastfeeding and the need for psychiatric and medical professionals to address the issue.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association recently released a book supporting LGBTQIA+ families, further emphasizing the push for inclusivity in breastfeeding practices. Sussex remains steadfast in her beliefs and hopes for support from the Human Rights Law Alliance in her case. The ABA clarified that Sussex was removed from her volunteer role for breaching the organization’s Code of Ethics, not solely for her views on trans breastfeeding.
Critics, like Women’s Forum Australia’s Stephanie Bastiaan, have expressed concerns about the safety and efficacy of male chestfeeding. They argue that the primary purpose of breastfeeding is to nourish a child, not to validate gender identities. Bastiaan believes that the push for gender inclusivity in breastfeeding is concerning and calls for an inquiry into how gender ideology has influenced healthcare practices.
The complaints against Sussex are seen as part of a larger effort to silence women in various activities. Critics argue that laws protecting gender identity are being misused to suppress authentic dialogue and call for urgent reforms to ensure that medical experts can speak truthfully without fear of legal repercussions.
