Parent of Trans Teen Accuses State Government of Privacy Breach That Could Have ‘Outed’ Her Child

The Queensland government released private details about the parent of a trans teenager – information she claims potentially “outed” her teen – to a unknown individual.

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The revelation came as the state government was charged of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after requesting private health records from guardians of trans youth who are contemplating a additional court case to its disputed prohibition on hormone blockers.

Latest Official Directive on Puberty Blockers

Last month, the Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive banning the use of puberty blockers for transgender patients, shortly after the high court ruled the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Guardian Australia has spoken to several parents who have approached Nicholls for a official paper called a statement of reasons – a detailed account of why the authorities decided to prohibit puberty blockers in the region. By law, the paper must be provided under the legal statute.

Requested Health Information

Each were required by the health authorities for details of their teen’s health background, including “your child’s name, their date of birth and any other evidence which confirms your child having a clinical diagnosis of gender identity disorder”.

The information were sought before the explanation would be released.

The email, which has been seen by the media, also instructed them to verify if your teen is a client of the youth gender service so that we can verify the information provided with Children’s Health Queensland,” reads the communication, which was sent last Friday.

Parents Describe Request as Breach of Confidentiality

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

One parent said she was hesitant to divulge the details because the authorities had mistakenly sent her data to a different parent.

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

Case of the Mother

Louise*, who must remain anonymous because it would also reveal or “out” her teen, was among those who asked for a statement of reasons both times.

Earlier, the department emailed a reply intended for her to another parent, disclosing her identity and address – and the detail that she had a transgender child – to a third party. She said a department official later apologised by telephone; the media has seen an message from the agency confirming the error.

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

“My child is incredibly private. She is immensely fearful of being exposed in any social setting. She dislikes anyone to be aware that she’s trans,” the mother said.

“I honor that to my core as much as possible. The only time I ever share is out of need for obtaining entry to services and only to people I consider trustworthy and I know well.”

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

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

Additional Mother Expresses Worries

Sally* said she was unwilling disclosing the health background of her seven-year-old gender-diverse child.

“It’s not my data, it’s a seven-year-old’s details,” she said.

“To imagine that that information could inadvertently be disclosed one day, in any manner, you know, although that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to him.”

She responded saying the agency had asked for an “extraordinary amount of information”.

“I would not share that information to another entity that requested it, particularly in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private information. You wouldn’t disclose, for example, your HIV status to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be hesitant and careful to provide any of that information to a group of officials, basically.”

Legal Service Weighing Further Action

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

Its president, Ren Shike, said the ruling had affected about hundreds of minors and their relatives and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the provision of explanations so that minors and their parents can comprehend the reasoning behind this decision, which has had such a severe effect on their medical care”.

Authorities Stance on Ban

The authorities has consistently said the ban would remain in place until a review into trans healthcare had been finished.