The government of Peru has recently categorized transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals as having a mental disorder.
This move, as stated by the nation’s health ministry, aims to secure comprehensive mental health care access for these communities within the public health system.
Additionally, the classification includes conditions such as “dual-role transvestism,” “fetishistic transvestism,” and other related gender identity conditions in the mental illness category.
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Consequent to this change, the terminology used in the Essential Health Insurance Plan (PEAS) will be updated to align with this perspective that views gender diversity as a mental health condition.
Such a step by the Peruvian government has sparked strong criticism from transgender organizations throughout Peru, who view it as a regressive act that undermines the advancements made in LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
