A Look into the Reality for Trans Women in Peru

By Roger Anthony Granizo Abril

Dania Elizabeth Calderón García, a member of the non-governmental organization Féminas Perú, is the first trans woman in Peru to change the sex on her national identity document without undergoing gender affirmation surgery. She is at the fifth HIV Research for Prevention conference in Lima participating in discussions and sharing her perspectives on the realities many trans women face in the country.

“We are not included in the state,” she said. In Peru, it is clear that trans women are not adequately included in numerous aspects of health, education, and the workplace.

Dania went on to express that trans women—in all their diversities—should be celebrated and uplifted: “It’s very important our voices are heard,” she said.

A key component in the development of integrated care for people living with HIV

To Dania, it is a necessity that the research, development, and implementation of integrated HIV care touch all communities.

“This type of event (HIVR4P) makes us develop everything, not only for the trans community, but for the LGBTQ community. Because that makes science advance.”

Intersectional approaches move the entire movement forward and create opportunities for cross collaborations and solutions that might not have otherwise been found.

Learn more about Dania Elizabeth Calderón García and her work below.