Psychiatrist Suspended for ‘Transphobia’ Runs for Head of Representative Body

Male and female icons in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 25, 2024. Susan Mortimer/The Epoch Times

Suspended psychiatrist Jillian Spencer, who claims she was forced out of a hospital over “transphobia” allegations, is contesting the position of president-elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

She is running against Professor Raju Lakshmana and Dr. Angelo Virgona.

In a bid to gather support, Spencer released a campaign video across social media on Feb. 12 where she talks about the need for psychiatrists to maintain professional integrity while resisting political influences on their work.

She also positioned herself as an advocate for high-quality psychiatric care, financial prudence, and academic rigour.

“Our core business is to maintain high-quality services to help people recover from mental illness. We need to focus on getting better at that over time,” she said.

She argued that psychiatrists should be highly trained, scientific, and well-supported to provide mental health services but should not be pressured to engage in broader political issues.

“It is not our business to influence Australian society on climate change, overseas wars, asylum seeker policy, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. These are political matters for the public to decide and vote on.”

Spencer also pledged to reduce costs for members, criticising the Australian Medical Council’s push for mandatory cultural education and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in psychiatric training.

Gender Interventions Under Scrutiny

Spencer was involved in controversy for being vocal about her concerns regarding “gender-affirming care” for children, an issue at the centre of recent debates in psychiatry.

Some doctors at Queensland Children’s Gender Service have raised concerns about teenagers being approved for cross-sex hormones after as few as two consultations.

These treatments can lead to sterility and loss of sexual function, with some patients beginning hormone therapy at just 14-years-old.

While the UK and several European countries have adopted more cautious approaches to gender services, Australian states have taken divergent stances.

Westmead gender clinic in New South Wales has also expressed concerns about the evidence base for such treatments.

Queensland Halts Hormone Therapy Amid RANZCP Debate

On Jan. 29, the Queensland government announced an immediate pause on hormone therapy, including puberty blockers, for children under 18 with gender dysphoria.

This follows allegations that gender clinics in Cairns prescribed puberty blockers and transition hormones to children as young as 12 without parental consent.

The pause will remain in effect until at least 2026, pending an independent review by the centre-right Liberal-National government into stage one and two hormone therapies.

Two days later, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler directed the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to review the Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.

An expert committee, including individuals with lived experience, will oversee the process, with interim advice on puberty blockers expected by mid-2026.

The decision has sparked division within the medical community, with some psychiatrists supporting the ban while others, including the RANZCP, have criticised it.

The psychiatrist body argues the restriction prevents high-quality, evidence-informed care and has caused significant distress to vulnerable patients.

“Assessment and treatment should always be patient-centred, evidence-informed, and underpinned by empathy and respect,” RANZCP stated.

Support for Spencer

Within hours, Spencer’s post on X has amassed nearly 10,000 likes and over 100 reposts, with the comments section filled with support.

Rachael Wong, the chief executive officer of Women’s Forum Australia, also extended her support by sharing Spencer’s campaign video on her social media page.

Meanwhile, an open letter urging RANZCP to retain Spencer’s nomination for president-elect has been posted on the website of Canadian clinician Aaron Kimberly.

Signed by around 100 researchers and clinicians, it condemns “gender-affirming care” and claims transgender activism is undermining clinical practice and democratic processes.

A Divisive Election

Spencer acknowledged that her candidacy would provoke strong reactions.

“I know that my candidacy will bring out all the gender advocates to vote against me. But I am still standing. I can speak freely, and I want everyone else to be able to as well,” she said.

She urged members to vote for her if they want to restore public trust in psychiatry, positioning herself as a defender of free speech and professional independence.

The election will determine the direction of the RANZCP at a time of deep division over gender care services and the role of psychiatry in political debates.