American women’s rights advocate and author Kara Dansky launched her new book, TERFLandia: How the Global Terven Will Win the Gender Wars, in Tasmania on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The evening, held at the Tonic Bar at Country Club Tasmania in Prospect Vale, was jointly hosted by Women Speak Australia (WSA) and Women Speak Tasmania (WST), bringing together women and supporters of sex-based rights for an opportunity to hear from Dansky and meet her in person.
The event was a particularly meaningful occasion for both organisations. Women Speak Tasmania, now formally established as the first branch of Women Speak Australia, has been working to raise awareness of issues affecting women’s sex-based rights in Tasmania. The evening reflected the growing connection between the two organisations and their shared commitment to protecting women’s rights.
Guests arrived from 5 pm, with time to mingle, meet Dansky and catch up with members of Women Speak Tasmania. During her opening remarks, Dansky acknowledged WST and thanked the group for its generosity and support.
The book also has a connection to the Tasmanian women’s rights movement. Its Australian chapter, written by Angie Jones, recognises the work of Australian women and activists and mentions Isla MacGregor, the former founder of Women Speak Tasmania.
Why TERFLandia?
In her presentation, Dansky explained how the idea for the book developed from conversations with British feminist Dr Julia Long following a Women’s Declaration International webinar. They recognised the importance of documenting the work of women around the world who have been speaking out to protect sex-based rights.
Dansky wanted to challenge the familiar media narrative that presents the debate as a conflict between the political right and a marginalised community. Instead, she wanted to record the work of feminists who had been raising concerns about the implications of gender identity ideology for women and girls long before the issue entered mainstream public debate.
The book brings together contributors from different countries and regions, documenting their experiences, activism and perspectives. Each chapter offers a window into the work being done in different parts of the world, while highlighting the common concerns shared by women defending the material reality of biological sex.
Dansky also discussed the title and the decision to reclaim the term TERF, a label frequently used to dismiss or attack women who hold gender-critical views. Her afterword, titled “TERFs Were Right”, reflects on how many of the concerns raised by these women have since become central to public debate.
She emphasised that the book does not suggest all women involved in this movement agree on everything. Rather, it records the contributions of women from different backgrounds who have found common ground in defending women and girls as a sex class.
Questions, conversation and book signing
Following Dansky’s presentation, there was time for a short question-and-answer session. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss current developments in the United States and the ongoing debate surrounding women’s sex-based rights.
The formal discussion was followed by refreshments and an opportunity for guests to continue their conversations. We thank Country Club Tasmania for providing the food and drinks and for helping make the evening so enjoyable.
Dansky then spent time meeting guests and signing copies of TERFLandia. We were also pleased to welcome the Minister for Police, Felix Ellis, who attended the event and received a signed copy of the book.
The evening concluded at 8 pm, with guests leaving in good spirits after an opportunity to hear from Dansky, meet her in person and connect with others interested in the international discussion about women’s rights.
Women Speak Australia and Women Speak Tasmania thank Kara Dansky for travelling to Tasmania and sharing her work with us, Country Club Tasmania for hosting the event, and everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success.
TERFLandia: How the Global Terven Will Win the Gender Wars is published by Spinifex Press and is available from the publisher.
