Inquest into transgender woman’s suicide following botched surgery to be expanded

An inquest into the suicide of a transgender woman who was mutilated by a sham backyard operator is set to be expanded, as her devastated mum calls for a police investigation.

The Coroners Court has announced it will expand the inquest into the suicide of a transgender women who was mutilated by a rogue operator.

An inquest into the suicide of a transgender woman who was mutilated by sham backyard operator is set to be expanded.

The decision follows a Herald Sun investigation which revealed the individual who performed the highly dangerous and illicit genital removal procedure on the 24-year-old has never faced consequence.

The transgender woman is one of five whose suicide is being investigated by Coroners Court of Victoria Judge Ingrid Giles.

The court on Wednesday announced it would expand the inquest following reports of the catastrophic, uncertified ‘surgery’ performed on the woman by a rogue operator with no medical experience.

“The coroner is currently reviewing the evidence before them, as well as seeking additional information to inform their investigation,” a Coroners Court spokeswoman said.

“As this is an active investigation, no further comment can be made.”

The inquest into the transgender woman’s death is set to be expanded

Rachel Byrne, the mother of the transgender woman, wants Judge Giles to recommend a police investigation into the individual to hold them criminally responsible and ensure others are protected from harm.

“How could a human being do this to another and have no consequences?” Ms Byrne said.

Premier Jacinta Allan on Wednesday signalled support for action.

She said what happened to the transgender woman was “distressing” and that she was prepared to act on recommendations handed down by the Coroner.

“That person’s identity is unknown and that obviously adds to the complexity of this really tragic and difficult situation,” Ms Allan said.

“It’s really challenging to comment further given the coronial investigations.

“When we receive the coroner’s report, if there is further action we need to take, we will examine that report and respond accordingly.”

The transgender woman went under the knife on a tarp laid on a bed in a residential setting in Melbourne in October 2019.

Ms Allan said she was prepared to act on recommendations handed down by the Coroner. Picture: Diego Fedele

The orchiectomy – removal of the testes – was aborted due to severe complications including excessive bleeding which resulted in the woman’s admission to Casey Hospital.

The operator, at this stage unknown to authorities, was sought out online by the transgender woman who was frustrated by barriers to medical gender affirmation surgery.

Ms Allan said it was troubling to hear that young transgender people in Victoria felt they didn’t have access to professional care.

“What for me was really distressing in reading that report was that young transgender people feel that they couldn’t get the support they need in more formal systems,” she said.

“We have to work very, very hard to provide them with care and support and love.

“Certainly my thoughts are with the family.”

Victoria Police declined to comment as the matter is the subject of an active inquest.