Review Finds No Evidence of Coercion in Gender-Affirming Treatments for Queensland Children
The Queensland government has announced additional funding for gender services for children in the state following the release of an independent review.
An independent review has concluded that no children with gender dysphoria were pressured into receiving gender-affirming treatments in Queensland.
On July 19, the state government shared the findings of an independent review of the Queensland Children’s Gender Service (QCGS).
“The risks and consequences of starting medical interventions for gender dysphoria are clearly explained,” the statement continued.
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Furthermore, the report highlighted that the QCGS’s decision-making process for medical intervention was “careful, considered, and based on evidence.”
“The panel did not find any evidence of children, adolescents, or their families being rushed or pressured into decisions about medical intervention,” the report stated.
Regarding service quality, the review panel commended the QCGS’s clinical practices for aligning with 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 providing tailored advice and information throughout the assessment, intervention, and discharge stages,” the report remarked.
However, the panel noted that the clinical guidelines lacked specific clinical processes or pathways for children in need of support.
“It would be beneficial if the clinical guidelines were supplemented with detailed information or recommendations for local care pathways to ensure consistency,” it added.
Long Waiting List for Gender-Affirming Services
The review revealed that the children’s gender service is currently unable to keep up with the demand from children and families.
As of June 2024, QCGS is caring for 547 children and adolescents, with another 491 on the waiting list.
The average wait time for an initial appointment varies from 25 to 577 days depending on the circumstances of the children.
Staff shortage was identified as a key factor contributing to the longer wait times, with public debate, criticism, and staff burnout impacting the clinic’s workforce in 2023.
Among those receiving treatment from QCGS, one-third were safely discharged without medication, one-third required further clinical management, and the remaining one-third were prescribed puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones with ongoing support.
Queensland Government Commits More Support
Following the review, Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman pledged the state government’s commitment to providing access to “safe, responsive, and modern healthcare services.”
The minister also praised the QCGS services as a “life-changing” and “life-saving” experience.
Significant Risk of Suicide Among Individuals Undergoing Gender-Transition Surgeries
While the Queensland government supports gender services for children, research from the University of Texas Medical Branch found that individuals who underwent gender-transition surgery were 12 times more likely to commit suicide compared to those who did not.
Examining data from approximately 16 million U.S. patients aged 18-60 from 2003 to 2023, the study showed that 3.47 percent of patients who had undergone gender-reassignment surgery were treated for suicide attempts, compared to 0.29 percent of non-surgical patients.
These findings have raised concerns among advocacy groups in the U.S. about the impact of gender-affirming procedures on children.
“I believe affirmation therapy is not therapy—it’s grooming,” he remarked. “It’s an incorrect solution to a different problem.”
The psychiatrist highlighted the link between gender dysphoria and medical issues such as autism, underlying trauma, or internalized homophobia.
He also pointed out that vulnerable children were often “groomed” to transition by parents, teachers, doctors, governments, or social media influencers.
