Non-binary, disabled candidate trolled after announcing candidacy

Avery Howard was forced to close off comments on their X account due to the volume of homophobic and transphobic responses they were receiving following the announcement of their candidacy for the upcoming federal election. The new Greens candidate for the seat of Fowler in New South Wales is campaigning on issues that include poverty reduction, cost of living and the right of everyone to have access to world class health and education.

The hateful commentary also spilled over to Facebook, where it was picked up by anti-LGBTQIA+ political campaigner, Monica Smit. A search on Ms Smit shows that she's a darling of conspiracy theorists and has a history of advocating on policies that put vulnerable communities at risk, including being anti-vaccine and anti-mask wearing during the COVID pandemic.

Rather than focusing on the issues that Avery is campaigning on and things that actually matter, the majority of comments on both X and Facebook instead focused on Avery's appearance and identity. Read more here.