Tam and Bobbi's Journey from Anti-Trans Florida to Inclusive Rupanyup

On a cool afternoon in north-west Victoria, a small rural cafe buzzes with familiar faces, laughter, and warm conversations. For Bobbi Waterman, this is where she feels like she truly belongs — in the quiet town of Rupanyup, three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne. "I wake up every day feeling safe, but more importantly, I feel included," she says. That sense of belonging is what led her and her partner Tam to make the move from the United States to Australia, where they now call home.

Bobbi, a former NASA engineer, lived in Florida for most of her life. But as she began her transition, the state became increasingly hostile to transgender people. With a wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping across the U.S., Bobbi and Tam decided to search for a new home. They considered countries like Mauritius and Portugal, but it was a chance move by one of Tam’s daughters to Rupanyup that led them to their final destination.

Rupanyup, a town of just 500 people, has become their sanctuary. "The thing I love so much about Australia is that people don’t really care about labels," Bobbi says. "They’re very open. You do you, and I’ll accept you 100 per cent for what you are." This openness has made Rupanyup a welcoming place for gender-diverse individuals, and Bobbi feels more at ease than ever before.

Tam and Bobbi met on a cruise ship in 2013, where Tam had just lost her first wife to breast cancer. Their friendship blossomed, and they eventually married in Florida, where they lived for two decades. In 2023, Bobbi came out as transgender after years of gender dysphoria. Tam was always supportive, telling her it was never too late to be herself. "They gave me clothes, jewellery, and makeup to help me become the person I wanted to be," Bobbi recalls. "My granddaughters were also very accepting and wanted to buy me clothes as a woman."

However, the anti-trans climate in Florida grew more hostile over time. Laws banning transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports teams were passed, and more than 100 anti-trans bills were proposed in the U.S. that year. Bobbi says she felt the pressure and stress of living in such an environment. "It was illegal for me in Florida to use the women’s rest room," she says. "That’s one of the things I love the most about Australia. I can walk outside, I can walk down the street. I’m not worried about being shot anymore."

Rupanyup’s community has embraced Bobbi, especially at the local Blacksmith Cafe, where she often spends her time. Dylan Wall, the cafe’s barista, says Bobbi is a beloved part of the town. "It’s great having Bobbi around. We always love to see her," he says. The town’s rainbow stickers and open-minded attitude have made Bobbi feel more at home than ever.

Bobbi has also become a source of visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community through her social media presence. She shares her journey, transition, and daily life on TikTok, where she now has over 30,000 followers. "It was originally Tam and Bob Adventures, it’s now Tam and Bobbi Adventures," she jokes. Her online presence has connected her with people from all over the Wimmera and beyond.

Bobbi’s story is one of resilience, love, and finding a home where she can be her true self. From the anti-trans policies of Florida to the welcoming community of Rupanyup, her journey highlights the importance of acceptance and inclusion for all people, regardless of gender identity.