Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
In 2014, ABC iView aired the landmark episode of Australian Story titled "Call Me Cate", which delved into the extraordinary life of Lt Colonel Cate McGregor AM, one of Australia's most notable transgender figures. The program chronicled Cate's incredible journey, spanning her life as a decorated military officer, political strategist, speechwriter, writer, and commentator, as well as her deeply personal transition from Malcolm McGregor to Cate McGregor.
At the time of the broadcast, McGregor had already become one of Australia's most high-profile transgender individuals. She had served in the Australian Army for decades, worked alongside prominent political figures, and even contributed to one of the most significant moments in recent Australian military history. But in 2013, after decades of private struggle, McGregor publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman, making her one of the highest-ranking military officers in Australia to do so. Her transformation was a defining moment not just in her life, but in the broader national conversation around gender identity and acceptance.
Catherine McGregor's story is one of resilience and service. Born in 1957, McGregor's early life was shaped by the trauma of loss—her father passed away at a young age, and her mother struggled to raise her and her siblings in difficult circumstances. Despite these challenges, McGregor excelled academically and professionally. She joined the Australian Army in 1974, a decision that would shape much of her career.
McGregor's military career was marked by notable achievements and promotions. She served in a variety of command roles, including in the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and later at the Army's Jungle Training Centre in Canungra. By the early 1980s, she had risen to the rank of captain. However, after a period of personal turmoil and a deep struggle with her gender identity, McGregor resigned from the Army and moved into the political and corporate spheres, where she worked as a speechwriter and strategist for both the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Liberal Party.
Despite stepping away from the military, McGregor's passion for service never wavered. In 2001, she rejoined the Australian Army, seeking operational deployment in East Timor, where she served in a number of high-profile roles, including as a speechwriter for the Chief of Army. It was during this time that McGregor's influence on military culture and policy was most profoundly felt.
Perhaps the most significant moment of McGregor's military career came in 2013 when she wrote a speech for the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison. The speech, delivered on June 12, 2013, was a public call for respect and tolerance in the Australian Army. In the wake of several high-profile incidents of unacceptable behavior towards women in the military, Morrison's speech, which was also posted on YouTube, made a powerful statement that would echo around the world. He told Army personnel that if they were unwilling to accept and respect women in the workplace, they should "get out."
The message was clear, direct, and a defining moment in the ongoing fight for gender equality in Australia's military. It was not only a landmark moment in the Army's culture, but it also highlighted McGregor's behind-the-scenes influence in shaping progressive change in the institution.
While McGregor's professional achievements were notable, the most personal and transformative aspect of her story is her journey of gender transition. For years, McGregor struggled privately with her gender identity. She was diagnosed with a mental illness related to transgenderism in 1985, after a difficult period marked by alcohol and drug abuse. However, it was not until 2012—after a deep personal crisis—that McGregor felt ready to embrace her true self.
In her words, McGregor had "repudiated her birth sex" and decided to transition to live as a woman. This decision came after decades of internal conflict, and was made even more challenging by the societal and personal repercussions. At the time, McGregor was in her late 50s, and her decision to transition was a deeply emotional one. She admitted that she was "terrified" of the reaction from friends, colleagues, and the public. The revelation led to a number of personal challenges, including the end of her marriage in 2016, and strained relationships with her family, including a brother who refused to acknowledge her transition.
Despite these struggles, McGregor’s decision to publicly "come out" in 2013 marked a turning point in her life, as well as in Australian society's awareness of transgender issues. McGregor became the highest-ranking transgender officer in the Australian Defence Force at the time, and her story captured national attention.
When McGregor publicly announced her transition, it was met with a mixture of support and controversy. While some in the military and political spheres offered their support, others were less accepting, and McGregor faced a series of harsh online exchanges. The public scrutiny led to disciplinary action by the Australian Defence Force, which found McGregor's social media conduct to be in violation of military protocol. Despite the challenges, McGregor remained defiant and continued to advocate for herself and other transgender individuals.
In the aftermath of her public disclosure, McGregor made the decision to leave the Army in 2014. She transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Reserve, where she continued her work on military projects, although she eventually stepped away from the Air Force as well.
After her departure from the military, McGregor remained active in public life. She became a prominent commentator on various issues, including politics, gender identity, and the military. McGregor also made her mark in the world of cricket. She became a respected cricket writer and commentator for major outlets, including The Spectator, The Australian, and the Australian Financial Review. In 2012, she published her book An Indian Summer of Cricket, which received praise from public figures like former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Her contribution to Australian society was recognized when she was named Queenslander of the Year in 2015, a prestigious honor that acknowledged her resilience and advocacy. McGregor was also a finalist for the 2016 Australian of the Year award, although she expressed disappointment when the honor went to her former commanding officer, David Morrison.
However, McGregor's journey was not without controversy. Her early criticism of the Safe Schools program, which aimed to support LGBTQI youth, led to her being dropped as a patron of Kaleidoscope Australia in 2016. In 2018, McGregor publicly apologized for her opposition to the program, acknowledging the harm her stance had caused and recognizing the importance of supporting transgender youth.
The Australian Story episode "Call Me Cate" serves as a powerful reflection of McGregor’s life—a life marked by deep personal transformation, public service, and advocacy for the rights of transgender individuals. Cate McGregor’s courage in embracing her true identity has made her a trailblazer for transgender people in Australia, especially within the conservative and often rigid institutions like the military.
Her story is one of resilience in the face of adversity and a testament to the human capacity for change, both on a personal and societal level. McGregor's journey reflects broader themes of gender identity, acceptance, and the struggles many people face when navigating their own paths in life. Through her work, her writing, and her advocacy, McGregor continues to shape the conversation around transgender rights in Australia, challenging societal norms and encouraging others to live authentically.
Ultimately, "Call Me Cate" is not just the story of one woman’s transition; it is the story of a nation grappling with change and seeking greater understanding. Cate McGregor's life proves that transformation, no matter how difficult, is not just about personal survival—it’s about creating a space for others to thrive as well.
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