This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
Trans Justice Project calls for a national day of action protecting trans youth following the Queensland government’s trans hormone therapy ban.
Rallies are being planned around the country for next Saturday to show your solidarity to protect trans youth.
Earlier this week LNP Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the immediate “pause”, alongside a new review into stage one and two hormone therapies for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria.
This action has rallied the trans-led, national campaigning organisation Trans Justice Project to call on everyone to act.
Now is the time to fight back
“All young people deserve to grow up healthy and happy, and with the freedom to be themselves,” Trans Justice Project Director Jackie Turner said.
“For so many trans young people, gender-affirming care is life-changing and life-saving.
“I am horrified by the Queensland LNP government’s effective ban on gender-affirming care for new patients under 18.
“These are the most serious attacks on gender-affirming care we have seen so far in this country.
“Now is the time to fight back.
“Next Saturday 8 February, communities across Australia will be holding a National Day of Action to protect trans youth.
“Together we will demand the QLD government overturn their ban and allow trans youth to access the treatment they need.”
Rallies have been planned on Saturday 8th February in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne.
The rallies will be family-friendly events, led by trans people, especially trans youth and their families.
“With everything going on in the world, these rallies can help us come together,” Turner said.
“Remember the strength and resilience of our community, and energise us for the fight ahead.”
Find out more about the rally in your area or organise your own event here.
Nicholls’s decision threatens lives and safety
National service provider for families of trans young people Transcend Australia shared their concerns about the Queensland Health Minister’s decision this week.
CEO Jeremy Wiggins said it threatens the safety and lives of trans young people and their families.
“All Queenslanders deserve access to healthcare without government interference.
“Political involvement in private medical care, not founded on the current evidence base, is deeply
troubling.
“The harmful political targeting of trans children and young people must end,” he said,
Gender-affirming care and medical treatment has always required parental consent.
By law, parents are deeply involved in the process, and the misinformation about that needs to stop.
“Parents want their children to receive the healthcare they need,”
“Without interference from anti-trans activists or governments using them for political purposes.
“Families simply want care, to be respected, and allowed to live their lives in peace.”
Transcend Australia has urged the Queensland Government and Minister Nicholls to meet with
Queensland families and their trans children.
This way they can better understand their situations and recognise that a small, marginalised community is facing unprecedented public attack.
Transcend Australia has urged the public to understand the level of political hostility being directed at trans communities.
And has called on everyone to not only understand but to show them support.
Find out more about Transcend Australia and the vital support they give here.
Trans community not being heard.
Transwoman and Victorian Pride Award Person of the Year Michelle Sheppard shared a call to action on social media this week.
“Trans people are saying they are frightened and in pain because people are questioning our very right to exist”
“And the world keeps debating instead of listening.
“Every day, transgender and gender-diverse people around the world face increasing attacks on our rights, our dignity, & even our ability to access basic healthcare.
“The weight of this is overwhelming,” Michelle said,
“Not only due to the policy changes and legal battles,
“But also due to the profound personal impact these decisions have on our lives and the lives of those we care about.
“The trans community is hurting, and we are not being heard.
“Where does this end?
“How many more of us have to suffer before something changes?
“They, we, need you too.
“Now is the time to show up not just in words but in action.
“Stand with us. Fight with us.”
“The signs are clear,” Trans Justice Project said on their social media post,
“If we let what is happening in QLD go unchallenged it will embolden Peter Dutton and the LNP to support a national ban.
“That’s why we need to make an example out of Queensland,
“And ensure that the national backlash against this decision is so deafening that they overturn the decision.”
