Peru will stop labeling trans people as having a mental illness.
Attendees play drums and dance during the Pride Parade in Lima on June 25, 2022. (Photo credit: Getty)
It comes after hundreds of people protested against a new law approved by the government.
People take part in an LGBTQ protest against a decree following a decision by the Ministry of Health to classify transgender people as mentally ill. (Photo credit: Getty)
The law specified that trans people, people who cross dress or have “gender identity disorders” are considered to have mental illnesses so they can be eligible for mental health services.
Group of transgender women marching when thousands of activists from the LGBT + community and sympathizers took to the Lima downtown streets to participate in the 2023 Peru Pride Parade in search of recognition of their civil rights and against discrimination. (Photo credit: Getty)
The government said the new law would ensure trans people have a more complete health coverage.
Members of LGBTQ+ groups protest in front of the Ministry of Health against a new government decree listing transsexualism as a "mental disorder" in Lima on May 17, 2024, during the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. (Photo credit: Getty)
But the move was widely criticized by the LGBTQ community and rights groups for using outdated and regressive language.
Police guard the entrance of the Ministry of Health during a protest staged by LGBTQ+ groups against a new government decree listing transsexualism as a "mental disorder" in Lima. (Photo credit: Getty)
Group of transgender women marching when thousands of activists from the LGBT + community and sympathizers took to the Lima downtown streets to participate in the 2023 Peru Pride Parade. (Photo credit: Getty)
People take part in an LGBTQ protest against a decree following a decision by the Ministry of Health to classify transgender people as mentally ill. (Photo credit: Getty)
Following the backlash, the government said on Tuesday June 25th, that it will no longer refer to trans people as suffering from any disorder.
Group of transgender women marching when thousands of activists from the LGBT + community and sympathizers took to the Lima downtown streets to participate in the 2023 Peru Pride Parade. (Photo credit: Getty)
It said it will use the term “gender discordance” when classifying them for mental and behavioral healthcare, adding that it rejects discrimination.
Sofia Hou
