Protests in Peru

LGBTQ+ advocates in Peru protested in Lima after the Health Ministry issued a new law categorizing transgender people as having “mental health problems”. This decree, signed by President Dina Boluarte and published on May 10, updated the insurable mental health conditions list to include “transsexualism”, “gender identity disorders”, and “cross-dressing”.

Over 60 national LGBTQ organizations protested on May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, arguing the decree promotes outdated views and endangers transgender individuals. They urged for the decree’s reconsideration to prevent harmful practices.

This reflects current knowledge that trans-related and gender diverse identities are not conditions of mental ill-health, and that classifying them as such can cause enormous stigma