A dad in Ecuador who is dealing with an acrimonious split from his wife legally changed his gender identity to help him win custody of his two daughters.
“Being a father in this country, Ecuador, is punished and I’m only seen as a provider,” René Salinas Ramos, 47, told local outlet La Voz del Tomebamba, according to the New York Post. “What I have been looking for is to give the love and protection that a mother can give her children.”
Salinas Ramos’ official ID card now lists him as “FEMENINO,” despite the dad still seeing himself as a cisgender male. Ecuador passed a law in 2015 that allows people to legally change their gender on government-issued documents.
“The laws say that the one who has the right is the woman. As of this moment, I am female. Now I’m also a mom, that’s how I consider myself,” Ramos told local media on Dec. 30. “I am very sure of my sexuality. What I have sought is that I want to be a mother, so that I can also give the love and protection of a mother.”
Ecuadorian dad René Salinas Ramos speaks to the media about legally changing genders to get custody of his children.
(JAM PRESS )
Salinas Ramos claimed his two daughters were living in an abusive environment in their mother’s home and that he had not seen them over a five-month period of time. The custody battle is still ongoing.
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René Salinas Ramos holds up his ID.
(JAM PRESS )
“Until this matter is resolved, [the children] have to stay with their mother,” Salinas Ramos told the media, according to the New York Post. “The law is taking away our right to be parents. [Changing my official documents] is a proof of love.”
Transgender flag unfurled on pole.
(Getty)
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Salinas Ramos is reportedly the first man in Ecuador to use gender laws to gain the upper hand in a custody battle, and news of the gender change has set off criticism from transgender activists in the South American country.
René Salinas Ramos takes a photo of himself.
(JAM PRESS )
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“This man’s private matter, to obtain custody of his daughters, isn’t the spirit of the law,” Diane Rodríguez, a prominent trans activist in the country, told Vice World News.
