June 2026
Miguel*, a transgender man. He had been receiving testosterone injections for several years.
Miguel lodged a transgender discrimination complaint with Anti-Discrimination NSW (ADNSW) against his GP and a Medical Practice. He said his doctor refused to continue prescribing the testosterone injections for confidential reasons.
Miguel complained initially to the practice manager who advised that it was the Doctor’s personal decision. Miguel said this amounted to a refusal of care.
After ADNSW investigated the matter, Miguel decided not to continue with his complaint against the Medical Practice, who provided information which satisfied Miguel that the Doctor was neither their employee nor their agent.
In response to the complaint, the Doctor said that after initially prescribing the treatment, on reflection, they felt that they could no longer provide gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). They said that they were not the practitioner who issued the original prescription and did not consider that Miguel had the specified disorders allowing the prescription to be issued under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The Doctor also said that they did not feel they had the expertise in GAHT to feel comfortable prescribing it. They said Miguel being a transgender man did not affect their decision-making process.
The complaint was resolved by shuttle conciliation between Miguel and the Doctor, facilitated by ADNSW.
Without admitting any unlawful conduct, Miguel received a negotiated payment against his claim for hurt and humiliation. The doctor had also previously apologised to Miguel and had already attended a range of education as recommended by the Health Care Complaints Commission, including training on Transgender Affirming Practice.
*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.
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