Obet Torres changed nothing in his life, but did change his document. In Mexico, LGBTI community groups and representatives allege that this man identifies as a transgender woman and lesbian, although he retains a masculine appearance. According to the complaint, this would not be a lived identity, but rather a strategy to evade legal and family responsibilities, including paying child support for his children.
The case set off a heated debate because it touches on a very sensitive issue: those calling him out maintain that some people may be using gender identity laws as a shortcut to be legally listed under another gender without changing their lifestyle. Various sectors describe this as a fraudulent use of those rules.
The concern goes beyond a single name. Those raising the alarm about the issue are calling for clear regulations to close legal loopholes that would allow these practices, without ending up harming those who genuinely live their identity. Because when a right is used to dodge an obligation to one’s children, who ultimately pays the price?