This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
Over 100 people have marched through the Brisbane CBD to protest the Queensland government’s trans youth hormone ban, the Trump administration and the rise of anti-trans policies around the world.
Activist group Equal Love Brisbane called the snap rally on Friday night (January 31), which brought protesters to King George Square and the streets of Brisbane.
“Donald Trump’s election is emboldening the far right all around the world,” Equal Love Brisbane said about the event.
“He is calling for mass violent deportations of migrants, attacking the LGBTQIA+ community and undermining women’s rights.
“These politics are on the rise in Australia as well.
“We’re protesting in Brisbane to speak out against Trump and oppose the far-right agenda all around the world.”
At the rally, speakers called out the Queensland LNP government’s decision last week to immediately block access to puberty blockers and hormone treatments for trans youth, amid a review.
That decision sparked outrage and backlash from health experts as well as LGBTQIA+ advocates last week.
Advocates have also called a National Day of Action this Saturday (February 8). Rallies in cities across the country will call for the protection of trans youth.
On Saturday, February 8 the Brisbane rally will gather at 10am at Speaker’s Corner outside the Queensland Parliament.
491 young lives at risk
This week, Open Doors Youth Service was among the Queesnland organisations to criticise the move.
The youth mental health organisation warned the government’s immediate freeze on hormone therapies for new trans patients puts young Queenslanders at risk.
“There are 491 young people on the waitlist for the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic who will not be able to access care,” Open Doors said, explaining that the government’s decision was putting those lives at risk.
“This decision denies young people timely access to critical, evidence-based health care. [This care is] proven to improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicidality.”
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the Australian Medical Association have also criticised the move.
The Australian Medical Association’s Queensland branch pleaded for the government to listen to doctors over its own “ideological views”.
AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim said “treatment decisions must be made by clinicians based on the science, not ideological or other clinically irrelevant beliefs.”
“This is a highly sensitive practice area with a unique and vulnerable patient cohort,” Dr Yim said.
“LGBTQIASB+ patients are at high risk of suicide and self-harm. A recent Australian Government report shows nearly 75 per cent consider suicide at some point in their life.
“It is vital these patients have access to safe health services that are free from judgement and discrimination.”
If you need support, help is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
