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"Children and
adolescents with transsexualism...from
pre-puberty to adulthood, clearly stating their
predicament and seeking help, are too often
ignored and/or ridiculed; not only by their
parents and family members (upon whom they rely
for approval and a healthy sense of self) but by
well-meaning members of the medical,
psychiatric, legal and health care
professions..." — Rachael Wallbank,
2004
In Australia
As a result of the legal precident set
in the Family Court of Australia -  Re
Alex – Hormonal Treatment for Gender
Identity Dysphoria 2004 Fam CA 297
(“Re Alex”), young people with
transsexualism and their parents/guardians are
now required to obtain the approval of the
Family Court of Australia, before they can
proceed with established nonsurgical and
hormonal treatment for the condition pending
surgery in adulthood.
Prior to Re Alex treatment was
available based on diagnosis by medical
practitioners and parental consent.
This imposes unnecessary burdens on families
with regard to legal fees and a delay and
unnecessary defence of the reality of the young
person's transsexualism.
Losses for young people
Young people with transsexualism can live at
risk of significant isolation from
parents/guardians, family or care givers to
affirm their innate sexual identity.
This usually results in a life crisis for the
young person with transsexualism and loved ones
which could be mediated or avoided. In the
absence of legal, social and medical structures
or support systems, there are many losses for
the young person, their family and loved ones
and the broader social environment.
Assistance for young people and their
families
MTRA recommends parents/guardians
educate themselves about transsexualism and seek
assistance from experienced supportive
professionals. Parents or guardians are welcome
to
contact us.
Further reading
Ethics
and the proposed treatment for a 13-year-old
with atypical gender identity, Medical
Journal Australia 181 (6): 319-321. Spriggs,
M.P. (2004)
432 KB Difference
on Trial: Transsexualism in Family Law and
Property Relationships Litigation Wallbank,
R. (2004)
464 KB Contemporary
Human Rights Issues for People with
Transsexualism, Paper delivered at the
Gendys conference September,2004, UK.,
Wallbank, R. (2004)
Gender Identity
Issues, Australian Doctor 10
June: 33-40. Newman, L. (2005)
It's
important to recognise that sex and gender must
be treated differently. Gurney, K.
(2004)
Re
Alex – Hormonal Treatment for Gender
Identity Dysphoria 2004 Fam CA 297
(“Re Alex”) — 13 April
2004
192 KB
Twisting
the Knife - Discrimination in the Law,
Deakin Law Review,Vol 9 No. 2, pp
339-363, Gurney, K. (2005)
When being a boy is
everything: Understanding re: Alex
Gurney, K. (2005)
Why
don't you tell them I'm a boy? Dillon, F.
(2001)
The
information contained on this page is not legal
advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific
circumstances of each individual. Please consult
with qualified legal professionals for your
personal situation.
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Young people with transsexualism
