QTrans Withdraws From Carswell Forum For Its Platforming Of “Toxic & Queerphobic” QLD Minister

The Queensland Transgender Gender Diverse and Non-Binary Association (QTrans) has withdrawn from today’s Carswell Forum, condemning the forum’s decision to platform “toxic and queerphobic” Queensland Government Minister Amanda Stoker.

Prior to withdrawing, QTrans had been slated to contribute to a Trans Pride panel on the importance of the Sex Discrimination Act lifting up all women and the dire need to improve the affordability of affirming healthcare in a cost of living crisis.

QTrans Calls Amanda Stoker Appearance A “Masterful Stunt”

According to QTrans President Brianna Hammond, the decision for Brisbane’s flagship forum for LGBTIQA+ Queenslanders to invite Stoker to speak was “a masterful stunt” designed to portray the minister as “cuddly, caring and sympathetic”.

“But the fact is Stoker has a litany of vile and phobic views about the queer community,” wrote Hammond. “She pushes toxic MAGA style culture war against the transgender community in particular. 

“If you ever visit the LNP annual convention, Stoker will be over in the Christian Soldiers corner mumbling and jotting down some resolution to erase trans people, gays and lesbians, intersex people and the entire rainbow community. She is a JBP era religious zealot that pushes culture war nonsense of fictitious enemies and stolen rights.”

Amanda Stoker’s LGBTQ+ Track Record

The letter went on to outline Hammond’s track-record on LGBTQ+ issues, alleging her historical support for conversion therapy, removing pharmacological treatment for trans youth, removing SDA protections for trans people, discriminating against trans athletes in sport, allowing religious institutions to discriminate against LGBTIQA+ people, and banning women’s access to abortion.

“We know that the greatest scientific meta factor improving the mental health of transgender youth and reducing suicidality is affirming healthcare,” wrote Hammond. “QTrans will not meekly nod our heads at a speech given by Amanda Stoker when we already know the damage this woman has done to trans youth by consistently pushing policy to deny them affirming healthcare.”

Amanda Stoker’s Carswell Forum Address

In Amanda Stoker’s subsequent address at the Carswell Forum, the Liberal National Party member and Minister for Child Safety of Queensland used the opportunity to honour the late Phil Carswell for whom the forum is named.

“It is a real joy to be with you here today, and in doing so too, in some small way, honor the life and the contribution of the late Phil Carswell OAM,” said Stoker. “I didn’t know him personally, but he clearly was a man of passion and conviction and determination for what he believed in.

“And I don’t think anyone could doubt that he made a real impact by helping many people across many issues, but particularly in helping them to better understand HIV and AIDS at a critical time in our history.”

The remainder of Stoker’s speech consisted largely of “thank you”s to various affiliates, as well as a personal introduction in which she outlined her new ministerial responsibilities.

While she affirmed “every Queenslander” deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued despite their differences, she refrained from directly addressing the queer community, or sharing her personal convictions as they relate to LGBTQ+ people.

“Yeah, we’ve all got our differences,” said Stoker, “but when it comes down to it, we’ve all got the same blood and bone.”