The Peruvian government recently issued a controversial decree classifying trans identities as mental illnesses, prompting significant backlash. President Dina Boluarte, along with Economy Minister José Arista and Health Minister César Vázquez Sánchez, signed this classification. Critics argue that this labeling perpetuates stigma and discrimination against the trans community.
Representative Susel Paredes publicly demanded the repeal of the decree, emphasizing the need for mental health policies aligned with international standards. Civil organization Más Igualdad Perú also condemned the decree and submitted a letter supported by mental health professionals and human rights organizations urging the government to reverse these classifications in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
This decree comes amidst global movements towards declassifying gender incongruence as a mental disorder, as advocated by the WHO in their ICD-11. However, the Peruvian government’s stance contradicts these international trends, highlighting the tension between national policies and evolving global perspectives on gender and mental health.
The backlash against Peru’s decree underscores the need for inclusive policies that respect human rights and provide non-discriminatory healthcare for trans individuals, reflecting ongoing global discussions about trans rights and mental health.