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The state government released confidential information about the mother of a transgender teenager – data she claims potentially exposed her child – to a unknown individual.

Allegations of “Intimidation” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The disclosure emerged as the state government was accused of “intimidation” and “an invasion of privacy” after requesting private health records from parents of transgender children who are contemplating a further court case to its disputed prohibition on hormone blockers.

Recent Government Directive on Puberty Blockers

Recently, the state health official, Tim Nicholls, enacted a fresh directive banning the prescription of puberty blockers for transgender patients, just hours after the high court determined the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Media has spoken to several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a statement of reasons – a formal explanation of why the government decided to prohibit puberty blockers in the state. By law, the document must be supplied under the legal statute.

Requested Medical Details

All four were required by the Queensland health department for particulars of their teen’s health background, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any supporting documents which confirms your child having a medical confirmation of gender identity disorder”.

The details were requested before the explanation would be released.

The message, which has been seen by the media, also asked them to “please also confirm if your teen is a client of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can verify the data submitted with the health service,” states the communication, which was dispatched recently.

Mothers Describe Request as Invasion of Privacy

Each parent characterized the request as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was hesitant to share the information because the authorities had mistakenly sent her information to a another individual.

“It feels like having to ‘out’ your child to obtain a response; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Case of Louise*

Louise*, who must remain anonymous because it would also identify or “out” her child, was among those who requested a statement of reasons both times.

Earlier, the agency sent a reply meant for her to someone else, revealing her name and location – and the fact that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a department official later apologised over the phone; the media has seen an email from the department confirming the mistake.

She said she felt “ill and vulnerable” as a consequence of the blunder.

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is immensely fearful of being outed in any public space. She dislikes people to know that she’s trans,” Louise said.

“I respect that to my very being as much as possible. The sole occasion I ever, ever disclose is out of need for obtaining entry to services and exclusively to people I deem trustworthy and I know well.”

The parent was particularly concerned about the suggestion it would be “confirmed” by the medical facility.

She said the request was “threatening” and “seems coercive”.

Additional Parent Voices Worries

Sally* said she was unwilling disclosing the health background of her seven-year-old non-binary child.

“It’s not my information, it’s a child’s details,” she said.

“To think that that information could inadvertently be leaked someday, in any way, you know, although that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to him.”

She responded saying the department had asked for an “excessive level of detail”.

“I would not share that information to another entity that requested it, particularly in the context of the current political climate,” she said.

“It’s such highly confidential stuff. You would not reveal, for instance, your medical condition to the government office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and careful to submit any of that information to a bunch of bureaucrats, essentially.”

Advocacy Group Considering Further Action

The advocacy organization, which assisted the mother in her challenge, was evaluating a new legal action, it said recently.

The head, Ren Shike, said the ruling had impacted about hundreds of minors and their families and it was crucial to promptly enable the provision of reasons so that minors and their guardians can comprehend the reasoning behind this ruling, which has had such a devastating impact on their medical care”.

Government Position on Ban

The authorities has consistently said the ban would remain in place until a review into trans healthcare had been finished.