LGBTQIASB+ healthcare a right
Patients should be able to access the care they need without discrimination or judgement.

The decision by the Queensland Government to pause access to hormone therapy for public patients in children under 18 must not overshadow the urgent need for patients with gender dysphoria to be able to access the critical health services they need.
Gender dysphoria is real, and numerous studies have found that young people experiencing gender dysphoria are significantly more likely to suffer emotional distress and depression, to experience bullying and other forms of violence, and to harm themselves or attempt suicide.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said there is a clear need to ensure access to services for young people with gender dysphoria, including through the public health system.
“Politicians must also recognise the significant impact on these young people that the current debate over hormonal treatment is having and the growing sense that access to care will become more inaccessible,” Dr McMullen Said.
“This will have lasting impacts on this vulnerable population, and it is critical that the Queensland Government puts their needs first.”
Continued access to care and clinically recommended medical interventions for children and adolescents is essential.
AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim told media this week that LGBTQIASB+ patients are at high risk of suicide and self-harm, with a recent Australian Government report showing nearly 75 per cent consider suicide at some point in their life.
“It is vital these patients have access to safe health services that are free from judgement and discrimination,” Dr Yim said.
AMA Queensland has encouraged the QLD government to implement the recommendations of last year’s independent review of the Queensland Children’s Gender Service, which recommended the expansion of the service amid long waitlists.