In a move that has sparked widespread outrage and criticism from human rights organizations, the Peruvian government has officially classified transgender individuals as "mentally ill" through a new decree signed by President Dina Boluarte. The decree, which was published in the Official Gazette, labels "transsexualism," "dual-role transvestism," and "gender identity disorders" as mental health conditions.

The decree has been met with strong opposition from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, who argue that the classification is discriminatory and stigmatizing. Critics have pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) removed "gender identity disorders" from its list of mental illnesses in 2019, replacing them with "gender incongruence" in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Jheinser Pacaya, the cultural manager and deputy director of the LGBT film festival OutfestPerú, has been particularly vocal in denouncing the new law. In a statement on social media, Pacaya wrote, "100 years after the decriminalization of homosexuality, the [ministry of health] has no better idea than to include trans people in the category of mental illness."

Despite the backlash, the Peruvian government has defended the decree, with the health ministry claiming that it will "guarantee full coverage of medical attention for mental health for trans people." However, many remain skeptical of the government's intentions and fear that the classification could lead to further discrimination and marginalization of transgender individuals in the country.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Peruvian government will respond to the growing chorus of voices calling for the protection of transgender rights and the repeal of the controversial decree.