A warning that the following story contains mentions of self-harm as well as content that may be distressing to some listeners. 

The Queensland government last week placed a temporary pause on access to hormone therapy treatments and puberty blockers for the state’s minors, until their independent review into the healthcare service comes to a close. 

The review was sparked after reports that gender-affirming hormones had been provided to children as young as 12 at the far north Cairns Sexual Health Service without proper parental and medical authorisation. 

However, an independent review by the Queensland Children’s Gender Service (QCGS) in 2024 found children with gender dysphoria were not being rushed into receiving treatment, and instead uncovered that a lack of funding has blown out waitlists. 

Patients already actively receiving treatment will be exempt from the ban. 

Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman says he is gravely concerned that this statewide crackdown could extend across the nation, have serious ramifications for the trans community, and halt further improvements to the standards of care and access of these treatments. I spoke with Michael to learn more.

Image description: Protest of the Religious Discrimination Bill by LGBTQIA+ Activists in Sydney, Australia (February 12, 2022) Nikolas Gannon//Unsplash