Paul and Macca talk to Jackie Turner-Director-Trans Justice Project-TRANS DAY OF ACTION!

As anti-trans rhetoric and attacks reach a fever pitch in the US, young people, their families, and communities will rally across Australia in support of trans youth.

The actions are in response to QLD Health Minister Tim Nicholls announcing a pause on prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to new public health patients under the age of 18.

Jackie Turner, Director of the Trans Justice Project (she/her) said, “This cruel ban is the first of its kind in Australia, and it must be reversed immediately. No one wants to see the hateful US-style scapegoating of communities happening here.”

“Governments cannot be allowed to ban vital, evidence-based healthcare solely on the basis of their political beliefs.”

“Communities nationwide, from Busselton and Wagga Wagga to Shepparton and Broome, are rallying today to show trans young people in Queensland that they are not alone.”

The Minister’s decision will halt evidence-based healthcare for 491 young people and their families – many who have been on the waiting list for months, and even years.

Hannah, A Brisbane mum whose daughter’s care has been impacted said, “This has been incredibly stressful for our family. My 15 year old has been on puberty blockers for four years and was just days away from going on HRT. Now that can’t happen. Like all teenagers, she just wants to look like her friends at school and express who she really is.”

“The Minister’s decision puts our young people’s lives at risk. As a parent I can’t stand by and watch that happen. The Queensland government must reinstate care and increase funding for the Queensland Children’s Gender Service.”

Peak medical bodies including the The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Australian Medical Association Queensland, and senior members of the The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have condemned the ban and warned that denying vital medical care to trans youth could have devastating consequences.

Rally attendees will be invited to donate to support the 491 young people who have been kicked off the waiting list in Queensland to seek access through the private system instead.

The day is organised by the Trans Justice Project, a trans-led organisation working to build a future where all trans and gender-diverse people are safe, celebrated, and free.

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