No Queensland Children Were ‘Coerced’ to Receive Gender-Affirming Treatments: Review

The Queensland government has committed addition funding to gender services for children in the state following the independent review’s release.

Testosterone medication used for gender transitioning in Northern California on Aug. 26, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

An independent review has found that no children with gender dysphoria were forced to receive gender-affirming treatments in Queensland.

On July 19, the state government released the results of an independent review of the Queensland Children’s Gender Service (QCGS).

The review was conducted by a panel of medical professionals from Queensland and other states.

The report (pdf) found that the QCGS had an informed consent process that properly explained the risks of the treatments to children and their families.

The review comes as gender-affirming treatment for young people has been scrutinised globally following a review in the UK, which revealed that children with mental health problems in the country might have been rushed to undergo gender transition.

“The informed consent process and the information contained within the consent forms for the commencement of puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones is comprehensive and considers the capacity of the child or adolescent and their family to provide informed consent,” QCGS said.

“The risks and implications of commencing medical interventions for gender dysphoria are explained well.”

In addition, the report stated that the QCGS’s decision-making process for medical intervention was “thoughtful, considered, and evidence-based.”

“The panel found no evidence of children, adolescents, or their families being hurried or coerced into making decisions about medical intervention,” it said.

Regarding the quality of the services, the review panel said the QCGS’s clinical practice was in line with the current national and international guidelines for treating children and adolescents with gender dysphoria.

“Once a patient attends an initial intake appointment, they are supported by a multidisciplinary team who provides individual advice and information along care pathways of assessment, provision of intervention where appropriate, and discharge with community supports in place,” it said.

However, the panel pointed out that the clinical guidelines did not prescribe specific clinical processes or pathways for treating children who needed support.

“It would be helpful if the clinical guidelines were supplemented by specific information or suggestions for local pathways of care to ensure consistency,” it said.

Long Waiting List for Gender-Affirming Services

The review indicated the children’s gender service was currently unable to meet the demand of children and their families.

As of June 2024, the QCGS has 547 children and adolescents in its care, with another 491 on the waiting list.

The average wait time for an initial appointment ranged from 25 to 577 days, depending on the children’s situation.

The review found that staff shortage was a major factor preventing a reduction in the wait time.

“Throughout 2023, rising public debate, escalating criticism directed at the QCGS, and the toll of burnout and stress on staff contributed to a reduction in the clinic’s available workforce,” it added.

Among the children receiving treatments from QCGS, one-third were discharged safely without the need for taking drugs or hormones.

Around one-third had to go through further clinical management and assessment, and the remaining one-third were prescribed puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones along with ongoing support.

Queensland Government Commits More Support

Following the release of the review, Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the state government committed to ensuring that people had access to “safe, responsive, contemporary healthcare services.”

The minister also believed that the services provided by the QCGS were a “life‑changing” and “life-saving” experience.

“I have heard first-hand from families who have praised the service and expressed how valuable this safe haven is for them and their children,” she said.

At the same time, Ms. Fentiman announced a funding boost of $2.6 million to the QCGS, taking its total annual budget to $5.2 million (US$3.49 million).

Significant Risk of Suicide Among Individuals Undergoing Gender-Transition Surgeries

While the Queensland government is supporting gender services for children, a study by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch indicated that individuals who had undergone gender-transition surgery were 12 times more likely to commit suicide than those who did not.

Examining data from nearly 16 million U.S. patients aged 18-60 between 2003 and 2023, the research showed that 3.47 percent of the patients who had undergone gender-reassignment surgery were treated for suicide attempts, compared to 0.29 percent of non-surgical patients.

The results raised significant concerns among some advocacy groups in the U.S. about the impacts of gender-affirming procedures on children.

Meanwhile, Dr. Az Hakeem, a psychiatrist in the UK, previously told The Epoch Times that gender-affirming treatments were not the solution to gender dysphoria.

“I say affirmation therapy is not therapy—it’s grooming,” he said. “It’s a false solution to a different problem.”

The psychiatrist explained that there was a connection between gender dysphoria and medical issues such as autism, underlying trauma, or internalised homophobia.

He also noted that in many cases, vulnerable children were “groomed” to transition by parents, teachers, doctors, governments, or social media influencers.