Pinkalicious, a femme lesbian party for women in Melbourne, has had their right to refuse men entry to the night approved. Back in May, Pinkalicious organisers applied for the legal right to make theirs a girls only party. It follows similar action in past years by gay male venues such as The Laird Hotel, Sircuit Bar and the Peel Hotel who applied for and have been granted the right to enforce a male only as they required.

The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) granted the Pinkalicious organisers exemption from Victoria’s equal opportunity laws which will allow them to restrict access for the party to women only, and allowing them to turn away ‘biological’ men. Pinkalicious is the first girls only party in Victoria to get full legal exemption from VCAT.

“ There are plenty of options for gay men on the scene, but the reality is that there really aren’t that many for the girls. I mean there are at least 3 venues on the scene that have been granted exemptions and enforce male only policies. Most of the girls events or venues do not have such restrictions” Said Pinkalicious organizer Julie Mackenzie.

When we originally applied for the exemption we were really responding to patron feedback about our events. The girls that attended expressed that they would feel more comfortable and safe in a girls only environment. We understood that and took it on board. Our parties are only every 5 to 6 weeks or so, not a weekly event. We felt it was a very reasonable request, and we are so thrilled to have this historic exemption. We are finally a party for girls only, and those who identify as women.”

MacKenzie said she felt proud to be able to provide a genuine girls only event and that the win has re-energised the team who put the popular party together.

The next Pinkalicious will be held on Saturday 15 August, at the Sloany Pony in Port Melbourne. Check our What’s On guide for all the details incoming days.

Click here to check out our photos from the most recent Pinkalicious event in May 2009, which featured an exclusive performance by Katie Underwood.