health
US state bans gender-affirming treatment for transgender children
Arkansas has become the first US state to legislate a ban gender-affirming treatments for transgender children under the age of 18. The laws, passed this week, prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment and puberty blockers to anyone under 18 years old. The bill also outlaws gender affirmation surgery for children, which doctors don’t currently …
Australians living with HIV eligible for COVID-19 vaccine but GPs urge patience
All Australians living with HIV are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine from next week, but GPs have urged patience after an influx of bookings. Phase 1b of Australia’s vaccine rollout starts next Monday (March 22), with around 6 million more Australians eligible. Among them are all people living with HIV. NAPWHA, the National Association of …
Doctor slams News Corp for ‘disinformation’ on transgender healthcare
Pediatrician Michelle Telfer, who heads the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne gender clinic, has slammed News Corp’s The Australian newspaper for publishing fearmongering “disinformation” on transgender healthcare. In 2019, the Australian newspaper was slammed for anti-transgender bias after launching a dedicated “Gender” section on its website featuring overwhelming negatively coverage. Associate Professor Telfer featured frequently in …
Gender diversity: Getting support to find your authentic self
“Nature loves diversity. Unfortunately, society hates it.” This quote from the grandfather of gender diversity Micky Diamond summarises so much about the unnecessary damage done to many in our LGBTIQ+ communities. Gender and sexual diversity is in our species DNA. However, sadly, our brains also hard-wired wariness of others who seem different to ourselves. Consequently, …
Dr Rachel Levine to become US assistant Health Secretary
US President-elect Joe Biden last night announced the selection of Dr Rachel Levine as assistant Health Secretary. If all goes to plan, that will make Dr Levine the first openly transgender federal official confirmed by the US Senate. Governor Tom Wolff appointed Dr Levine to the position of Pennsylvania Health Secretary in 2017. A pediatrician, …
Instagram whistleblower names and shames gay men partying in pandemic
A viral Instagram account naming and shaming gay American men for risky partying during the coronavirus pandemic has sparked backlash online. Worldwide, COVID-19 case numbers continue to skyrocket. Hospitalisations in the US are at record highs, while the UK heads into a strict third lockdown. Mid-last year, an anonymous person set up the Instagram account …
Australia should follow UK’s lead and end the ‘gay blood ban’
LGBTIQ advocates have urged Australian blood donation authorities to follow the UK and safely ease restrictions on gay, bi and trans blood donors. This week, the UK announced a major reform of its blood donation policy for men who have sex with men. An expert advisory committee recommended all UK donors be assessed for individual …
Petition calls for beloved LGBTIQ pub to be saved from closure
Over 6,000 people have signed a petition to stop the closure of The Green Park Hotel, a much-loved, historic LGBTIQ pub in Darlinghurst, Sydney. The 130-year-old pub has announced last drinks are this weekend. St Vincent’s Hospital purchased the hotel in November to transform it into a community mental health clinic next year. Local Gus …
Huge change to allow more gay blood donors in the UK
A major change to blood donation rules for gay and bisexual men across the UK will allow more of them to qualify to donate blood. Currently, UK men who have sex with men can only donate blood if they’ve been celibate for three months, even while in a monogamous relationship. However the new criteria focus …
Stonewall offers Tele-Sexual Health to trans patients in remote areas
Brisbane’s Stonewall Medical Centre is offering patients in remote areas expert sexual health advice over video consultation with their specialists via their new Tele-Sexual Health service. Do you live in an area away from the big cities? Are you transgender or gender diverse and looking for medical care but wondering where to go? Is your …