Mexican President apologizes to transgender lawmaker for offensive remarks
Mexican President Apologizes for Offensive Comment Towards Trans-Identifying Lawmaker
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador issued an apology to a member of his own party on Tuesday after making a derogatory remark, referring to the trans-identifying lawmaker as “a man dressed as a woman.”
During a press conference, President Lopez Obrador was questioned about an incident where he kissed Salma Luevano, a trans-identifying lawmaker, on the cheek at a public event.
In response, the Mexican president stated, “I also kiss men,” before making the offensive comment, as reported by Spanish newspaper El País (source).
However, President Lopez Obrador expressed remorse on Tuesday for his inappropriate remark, offering an apology to the trans-identifying lawmaker, stating, “I want to… offer an apology to a colleague who identifies as a woman,” according to Reuters (source).
Salma Luevano, in response to the apology, wrote on X, “Today the president @lopezobrador_ offered me an apology for making a bad generalization. This declaration is very important, because it makes visible a fight that has taken us decades. I am a woman… and that is not up for discussion. Now to wait for the president to receive me.”
Hoy el presidente @lopezobrador_ me ofreció una disculpa por malgeneralizarme. Esta declaración es importantísima, pues visibiliza una lucha que nos ha tomado décadas
Soy una mujer, Diputrans y eso no está a discusión.
Ahora a esperar a que me reciba el presidente @JesusRCuevas pic.twitter.com/tlDOJEcBNP— Salma Luévano Luna (@SalmaLuevano) January 9, 2024
This is not the first time President Lopez Obrador has faced criticism for his behavior towards women. Before taking office in 2018, he was criticized for kissing a female reporter on the cheek during a professional setting, which the reporter deemed “inappropriate.”
Salma Luevano, 55, was elected to the Mexican legislature in 2021, along with another trans-identifying lawmaker, making history in the country’s political landscape (source). Luevano became an LGBTQ activist after facing discrimination in the 1990s when authorities detained him for wearing women’s clothing in public.
In 2022, Luevano accused Gabriel Quadri, a member of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, of threatening him with political violence and making derogatory remarks about trans women, according to El País.
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Salma Luevano believes that having trans women in positions of power helps normalize their presence and fight against hate crimes. By educating and raising awareness, empathy can be created, leading to a decrease in discrimination and violence.
How does the incident involving President Lopez Obrador and the trans-identifying lawmaker highlight the challenges faced by transgender individuals in Mexican society?
NavarroMx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@JesusNavarroMx.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of transgender individuals in Mexican society. Despite legal protections, transgender people in Mexico continue to face discrimination and prejudice. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, transgender individuals face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, and often experience violence and harassment [source].
The apology from President Lopez Obrador is an important step towards addressing this issue and promoting inclusivity and respect for transgender people. It highlights the need for public figures and leaders to be mindful of their language and the impact it can have on marginalized communities.
The incident also underscores the importance of continued advocacy and education to challenge and change harmful stereotypes and prejudices. Organizations and activists working to advance transgender rights must seize this moment to push for further progress and create a society that embraces and celebrates gender diversity.
While the president’s apology is a positive development, it is essential that it is followed by concrete actions to address the systemic issues faced by transgender individuals in Mexico. This includes implementing policies and programs that promote equality, providing support services for transgender individuals, and raising awareness about transgender rights and acceptance.
In conclusion, President Lopez Obrador’s apology to the trans-identifying lawmaker serves as an important reminder of the importance of respectful and inclusive language and behavior towards all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. It is crucial that this incident sparks meaningful change and leads to a more just and equal society for transgender people in Mexico.
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