A Queensland transgender teen, Liam, faces a year-long wait for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the state government restricts access for minors. Liam's family finds support in a Victorian doctor willing to provide remote care via telehealth, highlighting the shortage of gender-affirming care providers in the state.
A transgender teenager from Brisbane, Australia, named Liam, has finally begun hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after months of waiting and facing obstacles due to recent government restrictions. Liam's father, Chris, shared that his son had been eagerly awaiting access to HRT for about a year in Queensland .
However, last month, the Crisafulli government implemented a policy that restricted doctors in the public system from prescribing puberty blockers and hormones like testosterone and estrogen to minors for gender dysphoria treatment. This news deeply distressed Liam, leaving him devastated. Chris stayed awake all night to comfort his son during this challenging time. Their distress turned to elation when they discovered a doctor in Victoria, Darren Russell, a sexual health specialist, willing to treat Liam remotely via telehealth. Their first consultation took place this week, and Liam's happiness is palpable. He's actively engaging, discussing future plans, and even talking about Valentine's Day dates with a friend. Russell, a former Queenslander who previously served as the director of sexual health at Cairns hospital, has already received inquiries from several parents with children in a similar situation to Liam. He anticipates a surge in demand for his services following the Queensland government's policy.Russell believes providing medical care that might otherwise be denied brings reassurance to both the young person and their family, which is their primary goal. This situation has exposed a severe shortage of clinicians offering gender-affirming care, particularly in regional Queensland. The Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH) lists only 10 general practitioners statewide who provide these treatments. AusPATH is actively working on establishing a national referral pathway called Project 491 to address the needs of children on Queensland's waiting list and others seeking care. The organization aims to increase the number of healthcare professionals who can provide these essential services. Rachel Hinds, the chief executive of the LGBTIQ+ youth service Open Doors, draws parallels between the current situation and past bans on treatment for HIV patients in Queensland, forcing many to travel interstate for care. She argues that history has shown the harm caused by restricting access to essential medical treatments for marginalized communities
LGBTQ+ Gender-Affirming Care Hormone Replacement Therapy Transgender Youth Queensland Victoria Auspath Access To Healthcare
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thousands to Rally for Trans Youth After Queensland Bans Puberty BlockersThousands will protest in every Australian capital city on February 8th in response to the Queensland government's ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapies for children experiencing gender dysphoria. The Trans Justice Project and other advocacy groups are calling for accessible and affordable gender-affirming care for all who need it, urging the government to reverse the ban and protect the rights of trans youth.
Read more »
Rallies Protest Pause on Hormone Therapies for Trans Youth in QueenslandProtests have erupted across Australia following Queensland's decision to pause hormone therapy access for transgender youth under 18. The state government initiated a review of evidence regarding stage one and two hormone therapies for children experiencing gender dysphoria. The pause will remain in effect until the review is completed, prompting rallies demanding its lifting.
Read more »
Bank of Queensland to close 16 branches across Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Tobacco Shop Fire in Queensland, QueenslandA newly-opened tobacco shop in Stanthorpe, Queensland, has been heavily damaged by two suspicious fires in less than 48 hours. The most recent blaze occurred around 2:30am on Tuesday, spreading to nearby businesses.
Read more »
Queensland floods live: Crocodile warnings as North Queensland gets months of rain in three daysFloodwaters are rising for the third day across parts of north Queensland, with some pockets receiving more than a metre of rain since Saturday. Follow live.
Read more »
Anti-Trans Campaigner Ordered to Stay Away From Trans Woman After HarassmentKirralie Smith, spokesperson for anti-trans group Binary, has been issued an apprehended violence order (AVO) by a trans woman she targeted online and in person. The court found Smith's actions to be a 'sustained campaign of belittling, harassment and intimidation'.
Read more »