Queensland’s oldest trans rights group has threatened to reveal closeted queer politicians in the state’s Liberal National Party if the government does not reverse a ban on puberty blockers for minors, officials said. The move came after the state extended the ban for another decade.
The Queensland Transgender Gender Diverse and Non-Binary Association (QTrans) also called for other queer organizations to impose a so-called “pink ban,” blocking LNP members from attending public events or endorsing government policy. QTrans president Brianna Hammond defended the threats, saying they were a direct response to what she called “barbaric” laws.
“They have just put their fingers in their ears, they're not listening to any feedback whatsoever from trans healthcare experts and they haven't taken a word of our advice on board,” Hammond said, according to the Daily Mail. “We have the information to out queer people in the LNP who voted for this, and we'll let that play on the minds of those in government. This is not something we can do lightly.”
State Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the decision to extend the ban through 2031 following a 530-page review into Queensland’s gender-affirming care model. The review, conducted by Victoria’s former chief psychiatrist Professor Ruth Vine, found limited evidence supporting puberty blockers in adolescents, while noting potential negative impacts on bone health and fertility.
“These decisions were made with the safety and wellbeing of Queensland children front and centre,” a spokeswoman for Nicholls told the Courier Mail.
In February, at least 500 children were waiting for approval for puberty blockers and other gender-affirming medications within the Queensland health system—a number expected to grow due to the extended ban.
Hammond said the queer community must apply pressure to force a reversal. “As the queer community, we need to step up and put unbelievable pressure on this government to reverse its decision,” she said.
QTrans has since removed the statement threatening to out politicians. “The post of 20th December by the QTrans President calling for a ‘Pink Ban Against The LNP’ has been taken down pending a full board of management meeting to be held as soon as practicable,” QTrans secretary Fran Mulcahy said. “Much of the original post is in line with the board's beliefs; we need time to clarify some of the details and language used.”
The Queensland Transgender Gender Diverse and Non-Binary Association (QTrans) also called for other queer organizations to impose a so-called “pink ban,” blocking LNP members from attending public events or endorsing government policy. QTrans president Brianna Hammond defended the threats, saying they were a direct response to what she called “barbaric” laws.
“They have just put their fingers in their ears, they're not listening to any feedback whatsoever from trans healthcare experts and they haven't taken a word of our advice on board,” Hammond said, according to the Daily Mail. “We have the information to out queer people in the LNP who voted for this, and we'll let that play on the minds of those in government. This is not something we can do lightly.”
State Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the decision to extend the ban through 2031 following a 530-page review into Queensland’s gender-affirming care model. The review, conducted by Victoria’s former chief psychiatrist Professor Ruth Vine, found limited evidence supporting puberty blockers in adolescents, while noting potential negative impacts on bone health and fertility.
“These decisions were made with the safety and wellbeing of Queensland children front and centre,” a spokeswoman for Nicholls told the Courier Mail.
In February, at least 500 children were waiting for approval for puberty blockers and other gender-affirming medications within the Queensland health system—a number expected to grow due to the extended ban.
Hammond said the queer community must apply pressure to force a reversal. “As the queer community, we need to step up and put unbelievable pressure on this government to reverse its decision,” she said.
QTrans has since removed the statement threatening to out politicians. “The post of 20th December by the QTrans President calling for a ‘Pink Ban Against The LNP’ has been taken down pending a full board of management meeting to be held as soon as practicable,” QTrans secretary Fran Mulcahy said. “Much of the original post is in line with the board's beliefs; we need time to clarify some of the details and language used.”
