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Tomorrow: We Flood the Post
- Kimberley
- Feb 27
- 4 min read
If you have been around here for a while (or know me personally), there is high chance that you know where I stand in terms of LGBTQ+ justice. If you don't, allow me to introduce myself!
My name is Kimberley, and I am the proud queer owner of Accessories by Antoinette. My pronouns are they/them, and I have been openly nonbinary since 2018.
On the 28th of January, 2025, the Queensland Health Minister, Tim Nicholls, put an immediate pause to the healthcare of new trans patients under the age of 18. This pause prevents trans teens from accessing hormone therapies within the state’s public health system – a system that already requires trans people to jump through impossible hoops.
This sudden and misguided ban has already taken a toll on the trans youth of Queensland. Across social media, I have seen trans people devastated as they were simply weeks away from beginning HRT, and now it has all been ripped away. It is not fair. It is not right. It has to change.
What is HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is also referred to as gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), is essential and life-saving treatment that helps a trans person’s physical appearance align with their gender identity. This treatment can include taking hormones such as estrogen, testosterone or hormone blockers. It varies from person to person if HRT is taken as a lifelong treatment or if it is a standalone treatment or combined with surgery (in later years).
Not everyone chooses to undergo hormonal treatments or surgery – it’s a decision which varies from person to person, and situation to situation.
Like any medical procedure or treatment, there are benefits and risks, all of which the patient should have the freedom to consider and decide. The benefits of HRT include significant improvements to mental wellbeing (including depression, anxiety or self-harm/suicidal behaviours that are being caused by gender dysphoria) and the overall quality of life of transgender people. Some of the risks of HRT include physical, emotional, sexual and/or reproductive changes, some changes which may or may not be reversible.
Additional note: Ahead of any comments or concerns - no one, absolutely no one, is asking for gender affirming surgeries to be done on trans kids. Gender affirming healthcare, especially beneficial treatments such as puberty blockers, should be accessible from a young age. More harm is done without it.
It should be noted that HRT is not purely for transgender people either. Many cisgender (non-transgender) people, including the Tesla Transphobe, Felon Muskrat, have undergone various examples of gender-affirming procedures. With Elon Musk as an example, he has undergone a hair transplant, HRT (supplemental testosterone) and cosmetic surgery (jawline).
What’s next? We flood the post.
Support trans people in QLD and get Tim Nicholls to reverse the ban by flooding Australia post on the 28th of February (so they all arrive to him at the same time). Post drawings, write letters or even send him an envelope of blue, pink and white biodegradable glitter on this day to show the Queensland Government that we will not stand for blatant transphobia and baseless bans!
Hon. Tim Nicholls
Ministerial Office Postal Address
GPO Box 48
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Additionally, you can sign the petition from the Trans Justice Project asking Tim Nicholls to reverse the ban.
I’m not trans… Does it matter?
Even if you are not transgender, do not know any transgender people or have no intentions of accessing these sorts of therapies, it is important for us to act now. During times of adversity, when bigotry rears its ugly head and strips the rights of innocent people, I think of this comic, and I implore you to do the same.
If you think they won’t come after your rights next: think again. History has proven time and time again that, if it isn’t in their best interests, many political leaders and people of power will always choose their own bigoted ego above the benefits of the people.
If you can write, grab your pens. If you can draw, fetch your pencils. If you happen to have blue, pink and white (hopefully bio-degradable) glitter, get an envelope!
Help – I’m not sure what to write!
Whether you are a trans person or an ally, if you are looking for some inspiration, here are some below!
Trans rights are human rights.
Gender affirming health care saves lives.
You will have to go through me.
Protect trans kids.
Trans health care is health care.
Fight for trans rights.
Keep bigotry out of medicine.
Our blood, your hands.
There is no cure because transness isn't a disease.
Protect trans youth.
Trans kids deserve to grow into trans adults.
Unwanted puberty is permanent.
Respect my/our existence or expect my/our resistance.
HRT ban = Child abuse.
Trans joy matters.
Drop the ban!
Struggling with the ban? Reach out!
The world is a very tense place at the moment – but it’s better with you in it! Be sure to reach out to friends and family, or to mental health services. Together, we can get through this and fight for what is right.
LifeLine:
13 11 14
BeyondBlue
1300 22 4636
MensLine Australia:
1300 789 978
Kids HelpLine
1800 55 1800
The Trevor Project
For emergencies/urgent assistance, call 000.
If this blog post has offended you by any means, I suggest you take a long hard look at what you morally gain from depriving transgender people of their right to exist comfortably.
If you don’t agree with HRT or surgery, I have good news – you do not need to change your body in any way that you don’t want to! But your personal beliefs should not have to apply to other people to make you comfortable. Think of it as inconsiderate as not allowing another person eat a donut because you are on a diet: Don’t be that ridiculous, especially when someone’s life is on the line.
Trans rights are human rights.
Kimberley (they/them)
Accessories by Antoinette
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