Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has issued a public apology after misgendering Salma Luevano, one of the country’s first transgender legislators and a representative of his political party.
The incident occurred during a response to journalist Joaquín López-Dóriga, who had questioned Obrador’s greeting of Luevano with a kiss on the cheek.
Obrador initially described Luevano as a “man dressed as a woman,” a comment that quickly sparked condemnation. Recognising his mistake, the President addressed the issue in a subsequent press conference. “I want to start by offering an apology to a colleague who identifies as a woman,” he said. “Yesterday, I spoke about being a man dressed as a woman. I am very respectful, and I believe in freedom, and people should assume anyone as is identified.”
Luevano accepted the President’s apology via social media, stating, “Today the president @lopezobrador_ offered me an apology for making a bad generalisation. This declaration is very important because it makes visible a fight that has taken us decades. I am a trans woman and that is not up for discussion.” She also addressed the journalist’s initial query, criticising López-Dóriga for his approach and reaffirming her identity.
During his tenure, which started in 2018, President Obrador’s administration has seen significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico, including the introduction of the country’s first passports with non-binary gender markers in May 2023.
During the passport announcement, Foreign Minister Marcelo Brared stated the government’s commitment to diversity and freedom of expression, stating, “We endorse our support for sexual diversity. All rights must be guaranteed for all identities. No more hate speech – diversity enriches and flourishes.”
