Trans and LGBQ+ Organizations Request Meeting with President for Suicide of Trans Child in Copiapó

Today civil society organizations and allies of the Trans and LGBQ+ community delivered a letter, with more than 700 signatures, to the President of the Republic requesting an urgent meeting to advance in the protection of children, after more than a week ago the trans child, Matías Guevara, committed suicide in Copiapó due to school harassment.

The president of the Students Federation of the Universidad de Chile and trans activist, Emilia Schneider, lamented the situation and hopes that progress can be made so that the death of Matías is not only a fact to be mourned but also a fact to be regretted. “We urge the government to open up to dialogue with civil society regarding policies that have to do with sexual dissidence, such as the comprehensive sex education plan recently presented,” he said. “The progress has been insufficient, the circular that guarantees respect for the gender identity of trans students today have remained formal and there are no educational policies to really integrate them into the communities,” he added.

OTD Chile’s legal advisor, Matías Valenzuela, also expressed his sorrow at Matías’ death and called on the authorities to act. “The T Survey indicates that 87% of trans people who have attempted suicide have done so before the age of 18, meaning that childhood is in danger. We need a pronouncement from the Ministry because circular 0768 is absolutely insufficient,” he said.

Abofem, Fundación Renaciendo, the councillor of Santiago Irací Hassler and Colectivo Tara also attended in support.

For tomorrow the organizations have summoned to light candles for Matías in the front of the Ministry of Education at 19.00 hrs.

Translated by: Camila Mella