GOES AGAINST WHAT THE PEOPLE FEELTransgender model Carmen Carrera is speaking out against Peru's new bill that officially classifies transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people as "mentally ill."
Carmen -- who is of Puerto Rican-Peruvian ancestry -- tells TMZ she thinks the government's move aims to change the personal beliefs of the Peruvian people, who she says are actually supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, especially since they've had transgender and nonbinary figures throughout their indigenous history.
Gallery Carmen Carrera Hot Shots Launch Gallery The "RuPaul's Drag Race" alum believes the Peruvian government is trying to cash in on transgender people getting insured, which she believes is why they're falsely categorizing their transition as a mental illness.
She notes trans people getting improperly pigeonholed in a category that will lead to abuse.
Play video content
WHAT I'VE LEARNEDCC explains that luckily, in the U.S. where she lives, she has "incongruence of gender" -- a medical category in which trans people are able to receive special care ... something from which she's greatly benefited.
GettyAs for Peru's new decree, signed by President Dina Boluarte earlier this month, Carmen says it has the potential to influence other countries to falsely categorize trans people.
Gallery Stars Who Are Trans Launch Gallery GettyAs we reported ... advocacy groups are pissed as hell about Peru's decision to change its laws regarding trans people. Despite this change, the health ministry insists the new law won't force trans individuals into conversion therapy.
related articles
Transgender High School Runner Booed After Winning Girls' State Title
Daniel Radcliffe Responds to J.K. Rowling's Latest Transgender Dust-Up
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbnZZ5qopV9nfXOAjmlsaGpkZLCivsyepWabkae%2Fpr7AZqurmZ6otKa6w56pZq%2Bfoq6vecGlmKyso2K9pr7UZpmipJxiuqa605qjpbFdnrmtedGup5qtnKh6pb7AoGSrmZOafA%3D%3D