Parent of Transgender Teen Alleges State Government of Privacy Breach That Could Have Revealed Her Child

The state government released confidential details about the mother of a trans teenager – information she says potentially “outed” her child – to a stranger.

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The revelation came as the government was accused of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding confidential medical information from parents of trans youth who are considering a additional court case to its disputed ban on puberty blockers.

Recent Official Directive on Hormone Treatments

Last month, the Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, enacted a fresh directive prohibiting the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the high court determined the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Media has spoken to four mothers who have contacted Nicholls for a official paper called a statement of reasons – a formal explanation of why the authorities decided to ban puberty blockers in the region. By law, the paper must be provided under the legal statute.

Demanded Medical Details

All four were required by the health authorities for particulars of their teen’s health background, including “your child’s name, their birthdate and any supporting documents which supports your child having a clinical diagnosis of gender identity disorder”.

The information were sought before the explanation would be provided.

The message, which has been reviewed by the Guardian, also instructed them to verify if your child is a patient of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can verify the data provided with Children’s Health Queensland,” reads the communication, which was sent last Friday.

Mothers Label Demand as Breach of Confidentiality

Each parent characterized the request as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was hesitant to share the details because the authorities had mistakenly forwarded her data to a another individual.

“It seems like having to reveal your teen to actually get a reply; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Situation of the Mother

Louise*, who cannot be legally identified because it would also identify or “out” her teen, was one of several who requested a explanation both times.

In May, the department sent a reply meant for her to someone else, disclosing her name and address – and the detail that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a department official later apologised over the phone; the media has seen an message from the agency admitting the mistake.

She said she felt “sick and unsafe” as a consequence of the blunder.

“My daughter is very reserved. She is deeply afraid of being exposed in any social setting. She dislikes people to be aware that she’s transgender,” Louise said.

“I respect that to my core as much as possible. The only time I ever share is out of necessity for obtaining entry to services and only to individuals I consider incredibly safe and I trust completely.”

The parent was particularly concerned about the implication it would be “verified” by the hospital.

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

Additional Mother Voices Worries

Another mother said she was unwilling disclosing the health background of her young non-binary child.

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

“To think that that data could inadvertently be disclosed one day, in any manner, you know, even if that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to them.”

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

“I wouldn’t provide that information to any other organisation that requested it, especially in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private stuff. You wouldn’t disclose, for example, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and careful to submit any of that information to a bunch of bureaucrats, basically.”

Legal Service Considering Second Lawsuit

The advocacy organization, which assisted the parent in her case, was considering 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 understand the reasoning behind this ruling, which has had such a devastating impact on their medical care”.

Authorities Position on Prohibition

The authorities has consistently said the prohibition would remain in place until a examination into gender-affirming care had been finished.