Queer communities and organisations across Australia have come together in an outpouring of solidarity and grief following the tragic mass shooting in Bondi, which has left at least 16 people dead and more than 40 injured.
The attack, widely recognised as an act of terror, has sparked strong responses from LGBTQIA+ groups, who have not only mourned the victims but also stood firmly against the growing rise of antisemitism, racism, and hate-fuelled violence.
“Our communities know about hate and terror”
ACON, a NSW-based community health organisation, expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the Jewish community, many of whom are also part of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We send our deepest condolences to members of the Jewish community, including many who are part of the LGBTQ+ community,” they wrote.
“Yesterday’s events oppose the values we have spent decades fighting for – inclusion, respect, acceptance and welcome. We will continue to work so that Australia is a society that celebrates every part of our rich diversity and where everyone is safe.”
Thorne Harbour Health also condemned the violence, offering condolences and encouraging those affected to seek support through their services or via Switchboard, a Victorian-based LGBTQIA+ peer support service.
“This violence is a direct attack on the values we stand for,” they said. “We stand in solidarity with Jewish Australians, and affirm that all communities in Australia deserve to live safely, with dignity and wellbeing.”
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras also issued a statement of solidarity:
“Our love and solidarity are with the Jewish community. We stand against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate – hate and violence have no place in our world; care, compassion, community, and infinite love do.”
“A future where everyone is safe and free”
Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities, shared a powerful image of himself wearing a rainbow kippah, captioned:
“Hate must never extinguish the light. May their memory be a blessing.”
The Trans Justice Project also released a statement:
“Everyone deserves safety and freedom from hatred and violence,” they wrote.
“We commend the people who took immediate action to prevent further tragedy… including everyday people like Ahmed al Ahmed, a local fruit shop owner who showed extraordinary bravery.We reject antisemitism, racism and all forms of hate. Everyone must now unite to create a future where everyone is safe and free.”
Artist and performer Milo Hartill urged people not to be misled by misinformation following the tragedy:
“This is not an opportunity to wave your March for Australia flag and commandeer death to make racist comments about people who are Muslim.
Keep your thoughts with the families and please don’t allow this to wrongly radicalise you or those around you.”
Political and public figures express support
Independent MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, shared his condolences and committed to working toward tighter gun control laws:
“Sadly, laws alone can’t stop all hate — but love can go a long way. So today, and every day, let’s show love and solidarity with our Jewish friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, and the entire community.”
Jewish-Australian singer Troye Sivan also expressed his grief:
“Thinking tonight of the victims and their families, the Bondi and wider Sydney communities, and for every Jewish person in this country. This is not who we are as Australians. Sending so much love to all.”
First Nations-led gathering held in Hyde Park
A First Nations-led gathering, organised by The Blak Caucus, took place at Hyde Park in Sydney on Monday evening to stand against violence and racism on Bidiagal, Birrabirragal, and Gadigal lands.
Vanessa Turnbull Roberts, a Bundjalung woman and organiser, said:
“As Indigenous people, we hold a responsibility to safeguard, nurture and send love. This shooting took place on a land that was not the first time to have this happen. Truth, our heart, all know this.”
Wiradjuri organiser Ethan Lyons called the shooting “an act of terror and extreme violence”, adding:
“We are also clear-eyed about what too often follows events like this in Australia — deflection, scapegoating, and increased racism directed at Muslim and brown communities. Racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and hatred in all its forms are not solutions to violence; they are part of the same sickness.”
“Violence does not just harm people; it disrupts the currents that move through place and community. That is why this gathering is important — to confront that.”
Urgent call for blood donations
Authorities and community leaders across the country are urging Australians to donate blood, particularly those with O-type blood, to help those injured in the attack.
