Photo Credit: Fotoholica Press
In a controversial move, the Peruvian government has officially classified transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people as “mentally ill.” This decision, sanctioned by President Dina Boluarte, has sparked widespread concern and outrage among human rights advocates and LGBTQ+ communities both domestically and internationally.
The classification was introduced to ensure that the country’s public health services can “guarantee full coverage of medical attention for mental health” for the trans community, according to the Peruvian health ministry. The decree aims to amend the language in the Essentials Health Insurance Plan to reflect that trans and intersex people have a mental disorder, as reported by LGBTQ+ outlet Pink News.
This reclassification has significant implications for how transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals are perceived and treated within Peruvian society. By labeling these identities as mental illnesses, the government risks further stigmatizing already marginalized groups and reinforcing negative stereotypes. Critics argue that such a classification is not only scientifically unfounded but also deeply harmful.
Despite this change, the Peruvian health ministry has stated that trans and other LGBTQ+ individuals will not be forced to undergo conversion therapies. Conversion therapy, widely discredited and condemned by numerous health organizations, aims to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity and is often associated with severe psychological harm.
The decree comes amidst a complex political backdrop in Peru. President Dina Boluarte, who signed off on the decree last week, has been navigating a tumultuous political landscape. Since the ousting of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, Boluarte has been supported by a congress with members ranging from “Marxist-Leninist” to far-right ideologies, unified by a deep social conservatism. This congress has been pushing counter-reforms aimed at protecting illegal mining, logging, and the cocaine trade.
Boluarte’s administration has faced criticism for aligning with conservative elements that resist progressive social changes. The recent classification aligns with these conservative values, further highlighting the political divide in the country. The decision also reflects broader societal tensions and the resistance faced by LGBTQ+ rights activists in Peru.
This development is not an isolated incident in Peru’s political history. Pedro Castillo’s first prime minister, Guido Bellido, was known for his controversial views, including his praise of Fidel Castro for excluding gay individuals from participating in the Cuban revolution, using derogatory terms to describe them.
The international community and human rights organizations have condemned Peru’s recent decree. Many argue that it violates fundamental human rights and contradicts global health standards. The World Health Organization (WHO) declassified being transgender as a mental disorder in 2019, recognizing the importance of respecting gender identity without pathologizing it.
Activists in Peru and around the world are calling for the government to reverse its decision and adopt policies that support and affirm the rights of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals. They emphasize the need for comprehensive health care that respects their identities and provides appropriate medical support without stigmatization.
While the government claims the move is intended to ensure comprehensive mental health coverage, critics argue it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and further marginalized vulnerable communities. The decree underscores the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition in Peru, highlighting the challenges faced by activists in promoting acceptance and equality.
