They accused UNAM of being a transphobic institution for comments from academics

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), through the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Sciences and Humanities (CEIICH), transmitted this Thursday through social networks the forum “Necessary clarifications on the categories of sex and gender”. Although this event was initially considered as a space for information and reflection, the presentations by different academics, such as that of the Spanish philosopher Amelia Valcárcel, caused great indignation among the university community, who considered her comments as transphobic.

During this forum, Amelia Valcárcel made statements denying the existence of intersex identities, as well as discrediting the non-binary conceptions of gender in different cultures around the world. Similarly, he asserted that sexology is not a science but a doctrine and “a series of speculations normally based on psychoanalysis.”

International law expert Alda Facio also participated in the presentations at the forum “Necessary clarifications on the categories of sex and gender” whose comments caused irritation in the community by pointing out that transgender women are “erasing” cisgender women because their interests are opposed.

“I think that the category of women in the world of human rights that is being tried to erase or eliminate today is dangerous. We are not against other human groups being protected and discriminating against them, but not at the cost of erasing our existence,” said lawyer Alda Facio.

After the comments of women academics were disseminated on social media, the Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination of Mexico City (COPRED) issued a statement through of their official Twitter account in which they reiterated that under no circumstances and for no reason does this council validate, share, support or encourage transodiant speeches.

“Hate speech promotes structural inequality and the subjugation of certain historically disadvantaged groups through expressions of exclusion, violence, mockery, contempt and insult; and they not only validate, but generate social hostility against certain individuals or groups”, the document issued by the Mexico City Council to Prevent and Eliminate Discrimination (COPRED).

On social networks, members of the university community promoted the hashtag #UNAMsinTransfobia to condemn the continued opening of spaces in the Máxima Casa de Estudios to broadcast hate speech that promotes discrimination and segregation of different social groups, as well as those that violate the dignity of the members themselves of the LGBT+ community.

“I am a proudly trans man graduated from @UNAM_MX. Institution that while I was there was a safe space, but today shows a painful incongruity amplified hate speech against trans people. We demand an institutional response #UNAMSinTransfobia”, “UNAM must be a safe space for all people. It is not possible for academic spaces to be used to violate trans and sexually diverse people. The university must guarantee the exercise of everyone's right to education #UNAMSINTRANSFOBIA”, “Hey, @UNAM_MX I am a trans student, where are my human rights and my university rights if you provide spaces to reproduce hate speech? #UNAMSinTransfobia”, were some of the comments broadcast on Twitter with the hashtag #UNAMsinTransfobia.

The university community also described the highest house of studies as a “hypocritical” institution, as they recalled that during LGBT+ pride month they adorn the central library or their own logo with the flag of their cause, but at the same time they continue to allow and open spaces to disseminate and misinform about the subject as was the case in the forum “Necessary clarifications on the categories of sex and gender”.

In addition, they urged the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) to issue a position on the statements of academics and to seek and implement measures that make the institution a safe place free from any type of discrimination.

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