The government of Peru unfairly categorizes transgender individuals as “mentally ill”.

The government of Peru categorizes transgender individuals as having a “mental illness.”

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The recent declaration by the Peruvian government which categorizes transgender individuals as “mentally ill” has caused outrage and worry among members of the LGBTQ+ community and doctors. The decree, announced on Friday, updates Peru’s Essential Health Insurance Plan to include “transsexualism” and “gender identity disorder” as mental health conditions.

This announcement, signed by socially conservative President Dina Boluarte, claims that this classification is necessary for transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals to receive full coverage for mental health care under the country’s universal health insurance. However, it has been met with criticism and concern for the well-being of the transgender community.

Peru’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) released a statement reaffirming that gender and sexual diversity are not illnesses and expressing their rejection of stigmatizing. They also emphasized that sexual orientation and gender identity should not be considered mental health disorders and should not be subjected to illegal conversion therapies in Peru.

Despite this clarification, there are still worries about the impact of labeling transgender people as mentally ill in a society where the LGBTQ+ community lacks rights. Percy Mayta-Tristán of Lima’s Scientific University of the South warned that this could lead to harmful practices and further marginalization of trans people.

LGBTQ+ advocates in Peru have strongly criticized the government’s decision, with OutFest Peru director Jheinser Pacaya calling for the decree to be repealed. The move has been deemed as a backward step in the fight for equality and acceptance of transgender individuals in Peruvian society.

Health minister César Vásquez has not responded to the backlash, causing many to question the government’s motives and commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all citizens. This controversy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Peru and the importance of advocating for inclusive policies and healthcare practices.

To sum up, the Peruvian government’s classification of transgender individuals as “mentally ill” has raised concerns about its impact on the community and the potential for harm. LGBTQ+ advocates and healthcare professionals are urging for the decree to be overturned and for equality and acceptance to be promoted for all regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. This situation serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the need for inclusive and respectful healthcare policies.

Peru, transgender