Peru Removes Transgender Status from Mental Illness Classification

Peru has reversed a controversial policy that classified transgender individuals as having mental illnesses, following significant public backlash. The policy, which was part of an insurance law approved in May 2024 under former President Dina Boluarte’s administration, was officially rescinded in June.

The insurance law had categorized those who identified as transgender, along with “cross dressers” and others with what it termed “gender identity disorders,” as individuals diagnosed with “illnesses” eligible for mental health services through both public and private insurance providers.

After the policy’s implementation sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, Peru’s Health Ministry issued a clarification on May 11. The ministry stated that its intention in updating the Essential Health Insurance Plan was to ensure comprehensive access to mental health coverage, not to stigmatize gender identity.

“A person’s sexual orientation and gender identity do not in themselves constitute a physical or mental health disorder and, therefore, should not be subjected to treatment or medical care or to so-called conversion therapies, as established by Ministerial Resolution,” the Health Ministry emphasized in its statement.

The ministry further affirmed its position that gender and sexual diversity are not illnesses, expressing “respect for gender identities, as well as our rejection of the stigmatization of sexual diversity in the country.”

Despite this clarification, criticism continued, leading to the complete reversal of the policy. On June 25, 2024, the health ministry officially announced it would no longer list transgender individuals as suffering from mental disorders. The announcement was formalized through a press release published on the ministry’s website.

This policy reversal aligns Peru with international medical standards. Most countries follow the World Health Organization’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), which was updated in 2022 to remove transgender identities and related conditions from the category of mental health disorders. The WHO’s decision reflected growing scientific consensus that gender diversity is a natural aspect of human variation rather than a pathological condition.

The controversy gained additional attention on social media when posts circulated showing Peru’s current President Jose Jeri alongside claims about the transgender policy. However, there is no evidence that Jeri, who took office following his swearing-in ceremony on October 10, had any involvement with the policy, which was both implemented and reversed before he assumed the presidency.

The policy’s brief implementation and subsequent reversal highlight Peru’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The country has historically maintained conservative positions on issues of gender and sexuality, influenced by strong religious traditions. However, global trends toward greater recognition of gender diversity have created pressure for policy reform.

Human rights organizations have welcomed the reversal but note that Peru still lags behind many of its Latin American neighbors in comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia have implemented more progressive legislation recognizing gender identity rights.

When contacted by reporters, Peru’s Ministry of Health did not respond to requests for additional comment on the policy reversal or plans for future reforms related to transgender healthcare access.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between traditional values and evolving international standards on gender identity in many parts of Latin America, where policy changes often occur in response to public pressure rather than proactive government initiatives.