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The Queensland government disclosed confidential details about the mother of a trans teenager – data she claims potentially “outed” her teen – to a stranger.

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The revelation came as the government was charged of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding private health records from parents of trans youth who are contemplating a further court case to its controversial prohibition on puberty blockers.

Latest Official Order on Puberty Blockers

Recently, the state health official, Tim Nicholls, enacted a new order prohibiting the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, just hours after the state’s supreme court determined the initial ban was unlawful.

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 details of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their date of birth and any other evidence which confirms your teen having a clinical diagnosis of gender identity disorder”.

The information were requested before the explanation would be released.

The message, which has been reviewed by the media, also asked them to verify if your teen is a client of the youth gender service so that we can verify the data provided with Children’s Health Queensland,” reads the email, which was dispatched recently.

Mothers Describe Demand as Breach of Confidentiality

Each parent described the request as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was hesitant to divulge the details because the authorities had accidentally forwarded her data to a different parent.

“It feels like having to ‘out’ your child to actually get a reply; like, it’s frightening,” she said.

Situation of Louise*

The parent, who must remain anonymous because it would also identify or “out” her child, was one of several who asked for a explanation on multiple occasions.

In May, the department sent a response meant for her to someone else, revealing her identity and address – and the fact that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a department official later apologised by telephone; the Guardian has obtained an message from the department confirming the error.

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

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is deeply afraid of being outed in any social setting. She doesn’t like anyone to be aware that she’s trans,” the mother said.

“I honor that to my very being as much as possible. The only time I ever share is out of necessity for gaining access to supports and only to individuals I consider incredibly safe and I know well.”

Louise was especially worried about the suggestion it would be “verified” by the medical facility.

She said the request was “intimidating” and “seems coercive”.

Additional Mother Expresses Worries

Sally* said she was not comfortable disclosing the medical history of her young gender-diverse child.

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

“To imagine that that information could inadvertently 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 requested an “extraordinary amount of information”.

“I wouldn’t provide that data to any other organisation that requested it, particularly in the climate of the current political climate,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private information. You wouldn’t disclose, for instance, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and very cautious to submit such details to a group of officials, basically.”

Legal Service Considering Second Lawsuit

The advocacy organization, which represented the parent in her case, was evaluating a second lawsuit, it said last week.

The head, 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 guardians can comprehend the reasoning behind this decision, which has had such a severe effect on their medical care”.

Government Stance on Prohibition

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