Peru and Claims of Classifying Transgender People as Mentally Ill
Claim Circulation and Viral Spread
Social media platforms have recently witnessed a surge of posts claiming that Peru officially categorizes transgender individuals as mentally ill. These claims, circulating on X[1], Facebook[2], Instagram, and Threads, often feature images of President José Jeri and suggest government endorsement of discriminatory health policies. The posts falsely assert that Peru currently maintains any classification of transgender identity as a mental disorder. A careful examination of the events and official documentation, however, reveals that these claims are misleading and omit critical context.
Background of the May 2024 Policy
The origin of the controversy lies in May 2024, when Peru’s Ministry of Health, under former President Dina Boluarte, updated the Essential Health Insurance Plan (PEAS) as part of a broader reform of healthcare coverage. Within the technical language of this update, transgender individuals were briefly listed under categories eligible for certain mental health services. While the language was administrative in nature and intended to facilitate access to healthcare, it was widely misinterpreted as pathologizing transgender identity. Civil society organizations, medical professionals, and human rights advocates quickly raised concerns, arguing that the wording reinforced stigma and contradicted international medical standards.
Government Clarification and Reversal
In response to public backlash, the Ministry of Health issued a clarification[1] on May 11, 2024, emphasizing that sexual orientation and gender identity are not considered mental illnesses. The ministry stated that the purpose of the policy was to ensure healthcare access, including mental health support where needed, without implying that transgender identity itself constitutes a disorder. The clarification condemned practices such as conversion therapy and stressed that no coercive treatment should be applied to individuals based on gender identity. Following continued scrutiny, the Ministry formally amended the policy on June 25, 2024[2], removing any references that linked transgender individuals to mental disorders. Official press releases confirmed the revision and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to non-discriminatory healthcare policies.
Misleading Social Media Interpretations
Despite the reversal, misinformation continued to circulate. Many viral posts manipulated Despite the reversal, misinformation continued to circulate. Many viral posts manipulated
International Context and Standards
Peru’s approach aligns with the World Health Organization’s ICD-11[1], adopted globally in 2022, which removed transgender identities from the category of mental disorders. This ensures that national health policies are consistent with international medical and human rights standards. The brief administrative language in May 2024 did not contradict these standards and was promptly corrected to prevent any misinterpretation.
Conclusion
Peru does not currently classify transgender individuals as mentally ill. The claims circulating on social media rely on outdated information and omit critical context regarding the Ministry of Health’s clarification and policy reversal. While a short-lived administrative update caused public concern in May 2024, the government’s corrective action ensured that transgender identities are recognized respectfully in healthcare policies. Misrepresenting these events spreads disinformation and risks reinforcing stigma against marginalized communities.
