In her keynote address Laidley spoke openly about the challenges she overcame by privately coming to terms with her gender dysphoria while maintaining a very public career in the AFL.
Speaking about the common misconceptions about gender dysphoria, she said it was never about 'deciding' to become a woman.
"It wasn’t about deciding to be transgender, I am transgender," she said.
Danielle went on to speak about how from a young age she felt a great sense of comfort expressing herself as female, and stressed for young trans people the most important thing for their wellbeing was support and understanding from loved ones.
She also encouraged the wider community to broaden their understanding of gender dysphoria, to be supportive and to not judge.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be afraid to get it wrong."
"Transgender people know when a person is coming from a place of support and respect," Danielle said.
Danielle, ended her address by letting the audience know that despite fighting a life of battles, she now walks proud and has learnt how to love and be loved.
WA Commissioner for Equal Opportunity Dr John Byrne said it was the perfect ending for the Isabelle Lake Memorial Lecture series.
"It was an honour to have Danielle close the lecture series with such an inspirational story," he said.
This sentiment was echoed by audience members.
"Danielle Laidley's talk was wonderful, inspiring and wholly remarkable," one audience member said.
