Thousands of people have gathered in cities and regional towns all across Australia today to protest the Queensland government’s decision to pause puberty blockers and hormone therapies for new patients under 18 in the public health system.
Rallies took place in Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney, and 15 other locations all calling for the reinstatement of gender-affirming care.
The protests follow Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls’ announcement last week halting access to puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors with gender dysphoria pending an independent review.
The rallies were organised by Trans Justice Project, “a trans-led organisation working to build a future where all trans and gender-diverse people are safe, celebrated, and free”.
According to Jackie Turner, director of the Trans Justice Project, the decision in QLD affects 491 young people and their families, many of whom had already faced years-long waits for care.
“This cruel ban is the first of its kind in Australia, and it must be reversed immediately,” Turner said in a media statement.
“No one wants to see the hateful US-style scapegoating of communities happening here.
“Governments cannot be allowed to ban vital, evidence-based healthcare solely on the basis of their political beliefs.”
Brisbane mother Hannah shared how the pause upended her family in the statement as well. Hannah has a 15-year-old daughter, who has been on puberty blockers for four years. Her daughter was days away from starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “Now that can’t happen,” Hannah said.
“Like all teenagers, she just wants to look like her friends at school and express who she really is.”
The decison for the review comes after concerns were raised about the Cairns Sexual Health Service. According to Nicholls, 17 children received hormone therapy that potentially didn’t meet standard Australian treatment guidelines.
“We owe it to children to ensure that care is grounded on solid evidence and that we act in this contested area and this developing area with caution,” said Nicholls.
Mr Nicholls defended the pause, pointing to tightened regulations in countries like the UK, France, and Sweden. “There is contested evidence surrounding the benefits of stage 1 and stage 2 hormone therapy for children,” he said in a media statement about the review, referencing concerns raised in the 2024 Cass Review, a UK report that found insufficient evidence for youth gender interventions.
The federal government has since announced its own review into gender-affirming care for minors, led by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler urged consistency across states, stating, “These issues should be nationally consistent.”
Protesters today highlighted fears that Queensland’s policy could spread. “We need to take a stand now so these attacks don’t spread,” Turner told Yahoo News. Attendees were invited to donate to support affected families seeking private care.
The rallies come amid heightened global debate. In the US, President Donald Trump recently moved to block federal funding for youth gender-affirming care, while the UK’s NHS restricts puberty blockers. Despite this, protesters stressed the local impact.
“Communities nationwide, from Busselton and Wagga Wagga to Shepparton and Broome, are rallying today to show trans young people in Queensland that they are not alone”, Turner said.
Events concluded peacefully, with crowds chanting and holding signs reading “Protect Trans Kids” and “Healthcare Is a Right”. Organisers vowed to continue advocating for accessible care, urging supporters to contact MPs and share stories on social media.
Lead image: Trans Justice / Instagram
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