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The state government disclosed confidential details about the parent of a trans teenager – data she claims potentially “outed” her teen – to a unknown individual.

Allegations of “Bullying” and “Privacy Violation”

The disclosure emerged as the state government was charged of “coercion” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding private health records from guardians of trans youth who are contemplating a further court case to its disputed prohibition on hormone blockers.

Recent Government Order on Puberty Blockers

Last month, the Queensland health official, Tim Nicholls, issued a new order banning the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the state’s supreme court determined the government’s first attempt was illegal.

Guardian Australia has spoken to several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a explanation of decision – a detailed account of why the authorities decided to ban puberty blockers in the state. By law, the document must be provided under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Demanded Medical Details

Each were required by the health authorities for details of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any supporting documents which supports your child having a clinical diagnosis of gender identity disorder”.

The details were requested before the statement of reasons would be released.

The email, which has been reviewed by the Guardian, also asked them to verify if your teen is a client of the youth gender service so that we can confirm the data submitted with the health service,” states the communication, which was sent last Friday.

Parents Label Request as Breach of Confidentiality

All four mothers characterized the demand as an violation of confidentiality.

One parent said she was hesitant to divulge the information because the authorities had accidentally forwarded her data to a another individual.

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

Case of the Mother

The parent, who cannot be legally identified because it would also reveal or “out” her child, was among those who requested a statement of reasons both times.

In May, the agency sent a response meant for her to another parent, revealing her identity and location – and the detail that she had a transgender child – to a stranger. She said a department official later apologised over the phone; the Guardian has seen an email from the department admitting the mistake.

She said she felt “ill and vulnerable” as a result of the error.

“My child is very reserved. She is deeply afraid of being outed in any social setting. She doesn’t like anyone to be aware that she’s trans,” Louise said.

“I honor that to my core as much as humanly possible. The sole occasion I ever disclose is out of need for obtaining entry to supports and only to individuals I deem incredibly safe and I know well.”

The parent was especially worried about the suggestion it would be “confirmed” by the hospital.

She said the demand was “threatening” and “seems coercive”.

Additional Parent Voices Concerns

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

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

“To imagine that that information could inadvertently be disclosed someday, in any manner, you know, even if that was unintentional, could be extremely upsetting to them.”

She wrote back saying the agency had asked for an “excessive level of detail”.

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

“It’s such highly confidential stuff. You would not reveal, for instance, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and very cautious to provide such details to a bunch of bureaucrats, essentially.”

Legal Service Weighing Further Action

The LGBTI Legal Service, which represented the mother in her case, was evaluating a new legal action, it said recently.

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

Government Stance on Prohibition

The government has repeatedly said the ban would stay enforced until a examination into trans healthcare had been completed.