Peru Trans Community Outraged as Insurance Law Brand Transsexuality a "Mental Disorder"

Lima: The Peruvian government is facing intense criticism from LGBTQ+ groups following a recent decree that categorizes transsexuality as a "mental disorder." The decree, issued on May 10, revised the list of insurable health conditions, previously offering benefits for mental health treatment since 2021, to now include services for transgender individuals.

However, the controversial aspect lies in how the health ministry describes transsexuality as a "mental disorder," a term considered outdated and abandoned by the World Health Organization.

In response to the decree, LGBTQ+ activists have organized a protest in Lima scheduled for Friday, coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Despite mounting pressure, the government has shown no intention of rescinding the decree.

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Carlos Alvadrado, an official from the health ministry, defended the decision, arguing that revoking the decree would deprive individuals of their right to care. The ministry has reiterated that it does not view gender diversity as an illness and has expressed respect for gender identities while rejecting the stigmatization of sexual diversity.

Transgender activists vehemently oppose the decree, demanding its repeal and denouncing it as transphobic and violent. Gianna Camacho, an activist from Coordinacion Nacional LGTBIQ+, emphasized that transgender individuals are not mentally ill and do not suffer from any mental disorder.

Critics argue that the decree represents a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights in Peru, particularly as the country does not permit same-sex marriage or allow transgender individuals to change their identity documents.

Jorge Apolaya, spokesperson for the Collective Pride March, labeled the decree as regressive, emphasizing the harmful impact on the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized the need for recognition and acceptance, stating, "We cannot live in a country where we are considered sick."

Dr. Percy Mayta, a medical professional and activist, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of pathologizing transgender individuals, including the endorsement of conversion therapy, which has been condemned by UN bodies as torture.

In response to mounting criticism, Peru's health ministry reiterated that sexual orientation and gender identity do not constitute physical or mental health disorders and should not be subjected to medical treatment or conversion therapies.

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