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The state government disclosed private information about the mother of a trans teenager – information she claims potentially “outed” her child – to a stranger.

Allegations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The disclosure emerged as the state government was accused of “intimidation” and “an invasion of privacy” after requesting private health records from guardians of trans youth who are considering a additional court case to its disputed ban on hormone blockers.

Recent Official Directive on Hormone Treatments

Recently, the Queensland health official, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive banning the prescription of puberty blockers for transgender patients, just hours after the state’s supreme court ruled the government’s first attempt was illegal.

Media has spoken to four mothers who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a explanation of decision – a formal explanation of why the authorities made a decision to ban hormone treatments in the region. Legally, the paper must be supplied under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Demanded Health Information

Each were required by the health authorities for particulars of their teen’s health background, including “your child’s name, their date of birth and any other evidence which supports your teen having a medical confirmation of gender dysphoria”.

The details were sought before the statement of reasons would be provided.

The email, which has been seen by the Guardian, also asked them to “please also confirm if your child is a client of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can confirm the information provided with the health service,” reads the communication, which was sent last Friday.

Parents Label Demand as Invasion of Privacy

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

One parent said she was hesitant to share the information because the state government had mistakenly forwarded her information to a another individual.

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

Case of Louise*

Louise*, who cannot be legally identified because it would also reveal or expose her teen, was among those who requested a explanation both times.

Earlier, the agency sent a response meant for her to another parent, disclosing her name and address – and the fact that she had a transgender child – to a stranger. She said a department official later apologised by telephone; the Guardian has seen an email from the department confirming the error.

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

“My daughter is very reserved. She is immensely fearful of being outed in any public space. She dislikes anyone to be aware that she’s trans,” Louise said.

“I respect that to my very being as much as humanly possible. The only time I ever, ever share is out of need for gaining access to supports and exclusively to individuals I deem incredibly safe and I trust completely.”

The parent was especially worried about the suggestion it would be “confirmed” by the hospital.

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

Other Mother Expresses Concerns

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

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

“To imagine that that data could accidentally be leaked 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 would not share that information to another entity that asked for it, particularly in the climate of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such highly confidential stuff. You would not reveal, for example, your HIV status to the government office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and careful to provide any of that information to a bunch of bureaucrats, basically.”

Advocacy Group Considering Further Action

The LGBTI Legal Service, which assisted the parent in her case, was evaluating a second lawsuit, it said last week.

Its president, Ren Shike, said the ruling had impacted about hundreds of minors and their families and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of reasons so that children and their guardians can understand the reasoning behind this ruling, which has had such a devastating impact on their medical care”.

Government Stance on Prohibition

The authorities has consistently said the ban would stay enforced until a examination into gender-affirming care had been completed.