22 Nov 2024 – Misinformation, hate speech and threats to healthcare have a devastating impact on transgender Australians, a brave 16-year-old from Tasmania has told a gathering at Parliament House.

Amilie Courtney made the trip from Launceston to Canberra for the launch of a suite of resources that respond to the growing disinformation surrounding gender healthcare for young people. 

The “Living True, Living Better” fact sheets and briefing papers provide detailed, evidence-based information for trans youth, their families, doctors, health officials and policy makers. 

They were prepared by AusPATH and Transcend Australia, with support from LGBTIQ+ Health Australia and Equality Australia. 

Amilie told the launch event that access to healthcare and its ongoing politicisation was a major issue for trans young people. 

“The general public are constantly misled about what the reality of gender affirming healthcare is,” she told the gathering on Wednesday, marking Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

“It took me five years to get the care I needed, and I have regular ongoing medical check-ups. Rather than denying young people access to this healthcare, we should instead be looking at ways to improve it.” 

Amilie said it was it was crucial that politicians and policy makers listen to the people at the centre of the issue and understand the real-life consequences of denying care. 

“Listening to us and our families and our lived expertise is critical,” she said. 

“Listening to the clinical and medical professional experts who have real experience working with us is paramount to ensuring the right decisions are being made. Decisions that affect people like me.” 

Dr Cate Rayner, director of the Royal Children’s Hospital Gender Service in Melbourne, said disinformation about healthcare for trans youth was pervasive. 

“The public discourse in small but loud pockets of society represents a serious public health risk to the mental health of trans people of all ages,” she told the gathering. 

“Everyone is exposed to this disinformation and the impact of anti-trans campaigns has been far reaching. It filters into conversations with staff working in the field, parents of trans youth and trans kids themselves.” 

Dr Rayner said misinformation was being used as a weapon against trans kids. 

“This is why the “Living True, Living Better” resources are an important tool in our fight to deliver the best healthcare for trans kids,” she said. 

“They will help policy makers and health leaders stay informed. They will assist clinicians, whose words help in the consult room, but who need something to give parents to hold onto when they leave. Most importantly, they will help trans kids continue to access the care they need and deserve.” 

Jeremy Wiggins, CEO of Transcend Australia, said the spread of misinformation about trans people contributed to increased bullying, abuse and mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal ideation. 

“Trans young people and their families have a right to feel confident in making informed decisions about accessing gender affirming healthcare,” he said. 

“Our new evidence-based resources highlight the safety and effectiveness of gender-affirming care which is supported by medical peak bodies worldwide. 

“These evidence briefs and fact sheets will enhance the quality of health information and help families, trans young people and their medical providers to make the right decisions about treatment pathways.” 

You can access the resources here: https://transcend.org.au/latest-news/new-evidence-based-resources-on-gender-affirming-healthcare/