May 19th 2024.
The government officials of Peru have recently made an announcement that has stirred up controversy and concern within the LGBTQ+ community. It has been revealed that transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals will now be classified as "mentally ill". This was a decision made by the Peruvian Health Ministry in order to ensure that the country's public health services can provide full coverage of medical attention for mental health to the LGBTQ+ community, as reported by the Telegraph.
President Dina Boluarte has signed a decree that will change the language in the Essentials Health Insurance Plan to reflect that trans and intersex people have mental disorders. This includes conditions such as "transsexualism," "dual role transvestism," "gender identity disorder in childhood," "fetish transvestism," and "ego-dystonic sexual orientation." However, it is important to note that LGBTQ+ individuals will not be forced to undergo any form of reconversion therapy, as stated by the Ministry of Health in an official statement.
The Ministry of Health also emphasized that an individual's sexual orientation and gender identity should not be considered a disorder, and therefore, should not be subjected to any form of treatment or medical care. This was a response to the criticism and backlash received from LGBTQ+ activists who see this new law as a major setback in the fight for equal rights. As one individual stated, "Besides the 'new Section 28' in England, today is also a very sad and revolting day for the LGBTQ community and human rights advocates in Peru." The decision has sparked outrage and disappointment among members of the community, who see it as a step in the wrong direction.
Jheinser Pacaya, the director of OutfestPeru, expressed their frustration with the decision on social media, stating that "After years of the decriminalization of homosexuality, the Ministry of Health has nothing better to do than to include trans people in the category of mental illnesses." This sentiment was echoed by many others who believe that this decision is a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Percy Mayta-Tristán, a medical researcher at Lima's Scientific University of the South, pointed out the lack of understanding and awareness about LGBTQ+ issues displayed by this decision. "You can't ignore the context that this is happening in a super-conservative society," he stated in an interview with The Telegraph. Mayta-Tristán also highlighted the potential negative impact this decision may have on efforts to improve rights protections for individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
In a time where many countries are making strides towards inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, Peru's decision to classify transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals as "mentally ill" is a major setback. It is a reminder that there is still much work to be done in the fight for equal rights and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As the world continues to progress, it is important to remember the importance of respecting and valuing the diversity within our society.
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