Mother of Trans Teen Alleges Queensland Government of Privacy Breach That Could Have ‘Outed’ Her Child

The Queensland government released confidential details about the mother of a transgender teenager – information she says potentially exposed her child – to a unknown individual.

Allegations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The disclosure came as the government was charged of “coercion” and “an invasion of privacy” after demanding confidential medical information from guardians of trans youth who are contemplating a further court case to its controversial ban on puberty blockers.

Recent Official Directive on Hormone Treatments

Last month, the Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a new order banning the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, just hours after the high court ruled the government’s first attempt was illegal.

Guardian Australia has interviewed several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a official paper called a statement of reasons – a detailed account of why the government decided to ban puberty blockers in the region. Legally, the document must be supplied under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Requested Medical Details

Each were asked by the health authorities for details of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any supporting documents which confirms your teen having a clinical diagnosis of gender dysphoria”.

The details were sought before the explanation would be released.

The email, which has been reviewed by the Guardian, also asked them to verify if your child is a patient of the youth gender service so that we can verify the information provided with Children’s Health Queensland,” reads the communication, which was sent last Friday.

Parents Describe Demand as Breach of Confidentiality

All four mothers characterized the request as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was reluctant to share the details because the state government had mistakenly forwarded her information to a different parent.

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

Case of the Mother

Louise*, who cannot be legally identified because it would also identify or expose her child, was one of several who asked for a explanation on multiple occasions.

In May, the department emailed a reply meant for her to someone else, revealing her identity and location – and the fact that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a department official later said sorry by telephone; the Guardian has seen an email from the department admitting the error.

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

“My child is incredibly private. She is deeply afraid of being exposed in any public space. She doesn’t like people to be aware that she’s transgender,” 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 gaining access to supports and only to people I consider trustworthy and I know well.”

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

She said the demand was “intimidating” and “feels threatening”.

Other Parent Expresses Worries

Sally* said she was not comfortable revealing the health background of her young non-binary child.

“It’s not my information, it’s a seven-year-old’s details,” she said.

“To think that that data could inadvertently be leaked someday, in any manner, you know, even if that was unintentional, could be extremely upsetting to them.”

She responded saying the agency had requested an “excessive level of detail”.

“I wouldn’t provide that data to any other organisation that asked for it, particularly in the climate of the current political climate,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private information. You wouldn’t disclose, for example, your HIV status to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and careful to submit any of that information to a group of officials, essentially.”

Legal Service Considering Second Lawsuit

The LGBTI Legal Service, which assisted the mother in her case, was evaluating a second lawsuit, it said recently.

The head, Ren Shike, said the decision had impacted about 500 Queensland children and their families and it was crucial to promptly enable the provision of explanations so that minors and their parents can understand the logic behind this ruling, which has had such a severe effect on their access to healthcare”.

Authorities Position on Prohibition

The government has repeatedly said the prohibition would stay enforced until a review into gender-affirming care had been finished.