AMLO apologizes to trans congresswoman
AMLO apologizes for comments made to a trans congresswoman. He's criticized for not respecting the LGBTQ+ community.
2024-01-12T22:50:19+00:00
- AMLO apologizes to trans congresswoman.
- The Mexican president was criticized for his statements.
- LGBTQ+ activists demand greater respect.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador apologized on Tuesday, January 9, to transgender congresswoman, Salma Luévano.
AMLO referred to Salma Luévano as «a man dressed as a woman,» according to The Associated Press.
This controversial comment was, for many, another example of the president’s lack of empathy and awareness.
He is also accused of not respecting gender issues.
AMLO apologizes for his comments

«I am very respectful and I believe in freedom, and people should assume anyone as is identified,» said AMLO during his morning press conference.
«I want to start… by offering an apology to a colleague who identifies as a woman and that yesterday I spoke about being a man dressed as a woman,» he continued.
The Mexican president was speaking about Salma Luévano, a transgender congresswoman from his party.
«If I gave my opinion on this issue, it is because I believe that love has no gender; it is above all, like freedom,» he added.
The President of Mexico is harshly criticized

According to the AP, the Mexican president’s comments sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ rights activists.
The National Council to Prevent Discrimination, an official entity, addressed the issue on social media.
«Trans women have the right to have their identity respected… Inclusive language allows us to respect the dignity and recognize the identity of people.»
Salma Luévano tweeted on Monday that the president had always shown her a lot of respect.
‘Waiting for the president to receive me’

Luévano considered AMLO’s apology an «important statement, as it highlights a struggle that has taken us decades.»
«I am a woman, a Trans Representative, and that is not up for discussion. Now, waiting for the president to receive me,» she added.
Presentes Agency, a media outlet specializing in gender, diversity and human rights in Latin America, praised the apology.
However, the outlet also pointed out that his subsequent comments show that the president «confuses gender identity with sexual orientation.»
This is not the first time that AMLO has made this sort of gaffe

AMLO presents himself as a progressive politician but has made many unfortunate comments on gender issues.
In 2021, he unconditionally supported a candidate for governor who was accused of rape.
After enormous criticism and months of protests, his party, Morena (National Regeneration Movement), replaced him with his daughter.
The president also commented that in Mexico, it is a tradition for women to take care of their elders, in addition to downplaying gender violence.
Mexico has a ‘historic debt’ with the transgender community

During AMLO’s administration, there have been advances in gender parity in Congress, but it is not enough.
According to The Associated Press, this does not mean that Mexico has a feminist government or that gender issues have been resolved.
Salma Luévano spoke on Tuesday about the upcoming meeting she will have with the Mexican president.
In this meeting, that doesn’t have a confirmed date, she will talk to him about how to address the «historic debt» that exists in Mexico regarding the transgender community.


