Grace Tame Steps Out at Mardi Gala Amidst Ongoing Controversy
Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, made a stylish appearance at the Mardi Gala Ball in Sydney on Tuesday night, seemingly setting aside recent controversies for the evening. The event, held ahead of the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, saw the activist joined by a notable companion.
A Night of Glamour and Friendship
The 31-year-old activist was photographed cuddling up to non-binary actress and queer advocate Kath Ebbs, who has recently been in the headlines for their romance with American reality star JoJo Siwa. Grace commanded attention in a trendy ensemble that featured a silver crop top, which flaunted her toned midriff, paired with a black blazer and matching trousers for an edgy touch. She completed the look with strappy heels, a peachy makeup palette, orange-red lipstick, and slicked-back blonde hair in a bun.
Kath, 28, opted for a fitted black gown with cut-outs at the bust, showcasing some cleavage and sheer panels. They added zebra-print heels and a soft makeup palette with pink satin lipstick. Grace is currently engaged to Max Heerey, while Kath is dating AFLW player Tilly Lucas-Rodd.
Background on Kath Ebbs
Kath, who uses they/them pronouns, underwent a high-profile split from pop star JoJo Siwa after the Celebrity Big Brother UK saga last year. In April 2025, the content creator became the centre of a global media storm when JoJo formed a romance with housemate Chris Hughes.
Controversy Surrounding Grace Tame
For Grace, it has been a tumultuous period. Thousands of Australians have signed a petition calling for her to be stripped of the Australian of the Year honour after she chanted "globalise the intifada" during a speech at a rally in Sydney last week. The rally protested a visit from Israeli president Isaac Herzog and erupted into clashes between protesters and police.
The petition, launched by Rebel News, has garnered more than 28,000 signatures. It argues that the term "intifada" is historically associated with violent uprisings and armed conflict, causing profound distress within the Jewish community and broader public concern. The petition also calls for authorities to charge Tame with alleged criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law.
It states, "This occurred in a climate already charged with fear and trauma, including in the wake of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack," and emphasizes that it is "about responsibility" and "not silencing debate." Tens of thousands of Aussies have backed the petition, with many taking to social media to express their frustrations.
Despite the ongoing backlash, Grace Tame's appearance at the Mardi Gala Ball highlights her continued presence in public life, even as debates over her actions and statements intensify.
