Bolivia's Ombudsman: Barriers to gender identity change persist

Ten years after Bolivia enacted its Gender Identity Law, the Ombudsman's Office has highlighted ongoing administrative, social, and cultural obstacles hindering transgender individuals from fully exercising their right to change their legal gender.

The human rights entity noted that while 853 gender identity change procedures have been completed since the 2016 law, transgender people continue to face significant restrictions. These barriers impede equal access to essential services such as healthcare, education, employment, and social security.

In a statement coinciding with International LGBTIQ+ Pride Day, the Ombudsman's Office urged a collective effort to foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and democratic coexistence within the country. The office plans to conduct the 'Second Virtual Survey for People with Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression' in 2027 to gather data for developing public policies that benefit this community.

The Ombudsman's Office also called upon public institutions, social organizations, academia, media, and citizens to unite in combating all forms of discrimination and violence and promoting respect for diversity. This call comes amidst ongoing activism, including recent Pride parades in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, where participants demanded respect for their rights.