Supporting Anna Whitelaw's fight against breast cancer

We are launching this campaign to raise funds to support our dear friend Anna Whitelaw who at 41, has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

For nearly 20 years, Anna has been one of the pillars of the queer community, festival and music scene in Australia.

As the co-founder and director of Gaytimes Festival and CLOSET, Anna been fostering LGBTQIA+ community, artists and event workers, and building safe, inclusive queer spaces from packed dancefloors to forest festivals.

Now, she is facing her toughest challenge.

After being diagnosed in late 2025, Anna is currently undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy and faces further intensive treatment including radiotherapy and multiple major surgeries (including double mastectomy, reconstruction) ahead over the next year.

Anna is supported by her partner Bridie, family and chosen family, as well as her excellent team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

This fundraiser has been created to ease the financial burden for Anna during this incredibly challenging time.

All funds will go towards Anna’s living costs and out of pocket expenses during life-saving treatment, surgery and recovery.

While Anna works on Gaytimes as a labour of love, she normally works full time in a day job so this fundraiser will support her while she is unable to work (and lacks paid leave).

With her consent, we are now asking the community to support her.

Your support will help Anna get back to doing what she loves - including working on her dream of bringing Gaytimes back for its 10th anniversary in 2027.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated.

Even if you are unable to contribute, sharing this page is also a great help.

With much love,

Luke, Jason and a host of Anna’s friends and family.

About Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the most common cancer among cisgendered women.

Every year, over 3,300 people in Australia (including 40 men) will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer incidence is increasing, with 1 in 7 women and around 1 in 600 men expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.

Approximately 1 in 400 people of all genders carry the BRCA1 gene associated with much higher cancer risk for breast and ovarian cancer, but also increased risk of pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma.

About Cancer in Young People:

More than 75% of breast cancers in Australia are diagnosed in women aged 50 years or older. Approximately 0.5% of all breast cancers in Australia are diagnosed in women under 30 years and 4% in women aged 30-39 years, and 16% diagnosed in women aged 40-49 years.

Breast cancer is increasingly in Millenials and Gen Z compared to their parents.

Young people are also less likely to have sufficient income protection insurance or personal leave to cover themselves if they get sick.