Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Iran aims to be a global destination for transgender medical procedures

I bet Ayatollah Khomeini is wildly spinning in his grave! Another case of argentum non olet (money does not stink)?

"Despite Iran’s widespread discriminatory policies against LGBTQ+ people, the country is billing itself as a global destination for gender-affirming surgery—with medical tourism agencies offering low-cost operations and luxury stays in an advertising push that aims to generate ~$7 billion annually. ...

Background: Iran is one of the few places in the Muslim world that permits gender-affirming care, with religious leaders legalizing transition surgeries ~40 years ago as a legitimate medical need. ..."

"... For 40 years Iran has performed more gender transition surgeries than many other nations, largely a result of pressuring gay and gender-nonconforming citizens to undergo unwanted operations or risk the death penalty.

Now, faced with an economy crippled by war and sanctions, the Islamic republic is promoting its expertise to a global audience, hoping to attract transgender foreigners with the promise of inexpensive surgeries packaged with luxury hotel stays and sightseeing tours. ..."

Global Health NOW: High Costs of Malaria Funding Cuts; Navigating Taliban Taboos to Care for Women; and Iran’s Transgender Care Paradox



Ruhollah Khomeini, did he not look much more feminine in earlier years? Just kidding!


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