This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
Queensland LGBTQIA+ organisation Open Doors Youth Service is seeking stories from the trans community on the impact of recent political decisions.
Last month, the Queensland government announced a suspension of hormone therapies for new patients under 18 with gender dysphoria.
This followed a previous decision to halt the recommended expansion of Queensland Children’s Gender Service.
In a social media post, Ez from Open Doors announced the launch of their campaign.
“We need your voice,” Ez said.
“We’re collecting stories from the trans community, their friends and families about the impact of the Queensland government’s ban on gender-affirming healthcare.
“We want to ensure that trans voices and trans stories are centred and amplified in this current political climate. Your voice matters and it deserves to be heard.”
The stories will be highlighted on Open Door’s social media and website. They’ll also be shared with “big decision makers” and “movers and shakers” according to the organisation.
Trans stories shared
People have already begun sharing stories that are published on the Open Doors website.
A few examples are:
“The Health Minister Tim Nicolls’ announcement has rocked my family to the core. My 15yo trans child has become so familiar with being treated as a political football that this news was barely even surprising for them. As a mum, I know my child is emotionally and mentally affected by this decision with lower moods and frequent questioning seeking reassurance.”
“I moved states to access better healthcare. My mental health has declined. I have no more money.”
“The halt on new gender affirming care patients in Queensland has brought me great sadness and distress. I am a 15 year old trans man turning 16 in June, and I was on the waitlist for Brisbane Royal Women and Children’s Hospital Gender Clinic since I was 12. I spent years researching and learning and thinking to come to the conclusion I wanted to undergo hormone therapy. Because of rampant misinformation online about puberty blockers, my mum denied me going on them at 11-12. We need proper information about gender affirming care to be available so that parents can understand their child’s request.”
Visit the Open Doors website for more information or to share your story.
The Queensland government’s decision
Last week, the Queensland government caused outrage by ordering the public health system to suspend hormone therapies for new patients under 18 with gender dysphoria, amid a review of gender services.
The ban prevents more than 400 young Queenslanders on lengthy waitlists from accessing the treatments. Transgender advocates as well as peak healthcare bodies including the Australian Medical Association have widely criticised the decision as dangerous and ideologically motivated.
Rallies on ‘National Day of Action’ for trans youth
LGBTQIA+ advocates have also called a National Day of Action this Saturday (February 8) to oppose the Queensland government’s decision.
Rallies on that day in cities across Australia will call for the protection of transgender and gender diverse youth.
On Saturday, the Brisbane rally is at 10am at Speaker’s Corner, outside the Queensland Parliament.
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.
