¡Mi identidad no es un destronó mental! Peru Legally Recognizes Trans Identity as a Mental Disorder.

On May 10, Peru released a presidential decree classifying trans identity as a mental illness. This classification was frustrating news to the queer Peruvian community as they continue to fight and advocate for LGBT+ rights.

The decree claims that in the field of mental health, trans identity in Peru is now to be legally recognized as a mental illness, and according to the Essential Health Insurance Plan (PEAS), it is meant to facilitate health coverage for people with “gender identity disorders.” Peru contradicted itself by using pathologizing information to refer to these seven gender identities, including outdated and derogatory terms such as “transvestism,” reflecting a lack of education on LGBT+ terminology. 

The stigma surrounding mental health within Hispanic communities is already debilitating due to influences such as gender roles, religious beliefs, and systemic barriers. During last week’s classification, Peru only emphasized the ongoing generational stigma Hispanics have against mental illness and the LGBT community. But it is important that, as a community, we educate each other and break the stigma. 

It is no secret that the Peruvian government lacks the advancement of rights for the LGBT+ community. The introduction of this classification gathered multiple LGBTQ+ advocates on May 17, the day annually celebrated against homophobia, bi-phobia, and transphobia, for protest at the ministry headquarters in Lima, Peru. Multiple queer organizations, including PROMSEX, use their social media platforms as a voice of resistance against the government as the ongoing battle for trans rights continues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) caused a major setback as it redefined the statement made back in 1990, when homosexuality was initially declassified as a disorder. The recently updated CIE-10 is harmful to the LGBT+ community, as it presents itself as weaponizing against trans-identifying bodies. A macro-aggressive form of identity intervention.

Protesters held up signs that say “nada que curar,” meaning “nothing to cure,” and “NO TO CIE-10.”

The manifestation of this setback is bringing a cautionary mentality to the LGBT+ community. Moving forward, leading the community to this information brings the opportunity to help organizations such as the LGBTQ+ Victor Institute, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice, and Partners In Health with donations to ensure better futures for transgender bodies in Peru.