Legal discrimination and gender identity of the Peruvian LGBTIQ+ community: socioeconomic impact of an unconstitutional provision

Abstract

Introduction: The Supreme Decree No. 009-2024-SA legally qualifies various forms of gender identity as mental illness, assigning them public health coverage. The objectives of this investigation are to demonstrate the unconstitutionality of the decree based on national and international standards, determine the socioeconomic impact of Supreme Decree No. 009-2024-SA on businesses linked to the LGBTIQ+ segment and identify the possible benefited sectors. Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, the categories legal discrimination and socioeconomic impact are analyzed. In-depth interviews are carried out, with convenience sampling, to twenty-five LGBTIQ+ Peruvians, over twenty years of age, who work in representative economic sectors. Results: The results show effects of legal discrimination in the Peruvian socioeconomic sphere of the LGBTIQ+ population. Discussion: The findings that determine the socioeconomic impact are discussed through triangulation. Conclusions: The objectives are achieved and gender identity is valued as part of human diversity and sustainable human development in the 21st century.