Peru's new law on transgender health ignites global backlash
The government of Peru has made a controversial move by changing legal regulations to classify transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals as having mental health disorders. This decision has led to widespread criticism from advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
The decree, signed by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, categorizes "transsexuality" and "gender identity disorders in children" as mental health conditions. It further includes "dual-role transvestism", "fetishistic transvestism", and "other gender identity disorders" in this classification.
The Peruvian Ministry of Health states that this change aims to "ensure a comprehensive range of medical care in the realm of mental health" for transgender people. However, it assures that there will be no coercion for transgender individuals to undergo conversion therapy.
The LGBTQ+ community condemns Peru's decision
Many advocates for LGBTQ+ rights around the globe have sharply criticized the decision. Jheinser Pacaya, director of OutfestPeru, promised that Peru's trans community will continue to fight until the decree is repealed. He criticized the government's priorities, highlighting the irony of such actions occurring over a century after Peru decriminalized homosexuality in 1924.
Red Peruana, an organization defending LGBTQ+ rights, also criticized the move for further stigmatizing the Peruvian trans community, stating that this policy stems from an "outdated" perspective on gender identity.
Medical researcher Percy Mayta-Tristán from Universidad Científica del Sur in Lima highlighted the lack of understanding of the intricate issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Peru's deeply conservative society. He warned that labelling these individuals as mentally ill risks the endorsement of reparative therapies, which is, in his view, unacceptable.
A 2023 Ipsos survey found that 81 percent of Peruvian citizens believe that there is significant discrimination against transgender individuals in their society.
Potential protests during Pride Month
This new classification has also sparked controversy due to the absence of consultation with the LGBTQ+ community. Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney shared her positive experiences in Peru last year, making this legal change even more disheartening. Given that June is Pride Month, there's a possibility of protests from the LGBTQ+ community in Peru against this discriminatory classification.
