Trans woman detained in Sydney, faced invasive treatment

A trans woman from the Philippines, Sonya, was detained at Sydney International Airport and held at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre after authorities searched her phone. She reported invasive searches and harassment during her three-day detention. Sonya, who traveled on a tourist visa, faced uncomfortable conditions in a male compound. She was denied access to her belongings and hormones, and experienced harassment from staff. At least eight transgender individuals have been detained at Villawood since October 2024. The Asian Migrant Sex Worker Advisory Group criticized the treatment of migrant sex workers, highlighting profiling and invasive searches. They called for changes to address the discriminatory practices faced by this community at the border and in detention.