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The state government disclosed private details about the mother of a trans teenager – information she says potentially “outed” her child – to a unknown individual.

Accusations of “Intimidation” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The revelation came as the state government was accused of “coercion” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding private health records from parents of trans youth who are contemplating a additional court case to its disputed ban on puberty blockers.

Latest Official Directive on Puberty Blockers

Recently, the state health official, Tim Nicholls, issued a new order prohibiting the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the high court ruled the initial ban was unlawful.

Guardian Australia has spoken to several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a explanation of decision – a formal explanation of why the government decided to prohibit puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the document must be provided under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Requested Health Information

Each were asked by the Queensland health department for particulars of their teen’s health background, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any supporting documents which supports your child having a medical confirmation of gender dysphoria”.

The details were sought before the statement of reasons would be provided.

The message, which has been reviewed by the Guardian, also instructed them to verify if your teen is a patient of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can confirm the data provided with the health service,” states the communication, which was sent recently.

Parents Label Request as Invasion of Privacy

All four mothers characterized the request as an invasion of privacy.

One parent said she was reluctant to divulge the information because the state government had accidentally sent her data to a different parent.

“It seems like having to ‘out’ your teen to obtain a reply; like, it’s frightening,” she said.

Situation of Louise*

Louise*, who must remain anonymous because it would also identify or “out” her teen, was among those who requested a statement of reasons both times.

In May, the agency sent a response meant for her to another parent, disclosing her identity and address – and the fact that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a department official later said sorry by telephone; the Guardian has seen an email from the department admitting the mistake.

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

“My child is incredibly private. She is deeply afraid of being exposed in any public space. She doesn’t like anyone to know that she’s transgender,” Louise said.

“I respect that to my very being as much as possible. The sole occasion I ever, ever disclose is out of need for gaining access to supports and only to people I deem incredibly safe and I trust completely.”

Louise was particularly concerned about the implication it would be “confirmed” by the medical facility.

She said the demand was “intimidating” and “feels threatening”.

Other Parent Voices Worries

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

“It’s not my data, it’s a child’s information,” she said.

“To imagine that that information could accidentally be disclosed one day, in any manner, you know, although that was unintentional, could be extremely upsetting to him.”

She responded saying the department had asked for an “extraordinary amount of information”.

“I wouldn’t provide that information to another entity that requested it, particularly in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private stuff. You would not reveal, for example, your HIV status to the government office, you know. You’d be hesitant and very cautious to submit any of that information to a group of officials, basically.”

Legal Service Considering Further Action

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

Its president, Ren Shike, said the ruling had affected about hundreds of minors and their relatives and it was “important to promptly enable the provision of reasons so that minors and their parents can comprehend the logic behind this decision, which has had such a severe effect on their medical care”.

Authorities Stance on Prohibition

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