Embrace diversity

AS a Tasmanian doctor treating trans and gender diverse patients, I am frustrated by the way genderaffirming health has been misrepresented in the debate about banning conversion practices.

Groups opposed to such a ban say parents, pastors and health practitioners who don’t affirm young trans people will be made criminals under conversion legislation, and more young people will be “forced” into affirming treatment.

None of this is true.

The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute report on conversion legislation was very clear that parents and religious leaders will still be able to speak their mind about gender identity, even if what they say is negative.

It said health practitioners will still be able to discuss the pros and cons of particular treatments.

It noted that all peak specialist health bodies, plus the Federal Court, have endorsed guidelines for genderaffirming health care because of the significant mental health comorbidities that arise for gender diverse people when they are not being affirmed.

Conversion legislation would simply apply these guidelines, and should they need to change, the Tasmanian chief psychiatrist and peak medical bodies would consult on those changes.

In short, conversion legislation will not make parents criminals or change current health care standards.

What it will do is ensure trans and gender diverse people are not induced into discredited, unsafe treatments for their gender identity that can inflict lifelong psychological distress.

Dr Miranda Hann

Hobart