'Emilia Perez': From Mexican cartel leader to Tel Aviv's operating table

A notorious Mexican cartel leader, Emilia Perez, recently underwent a gender-affirming surgery in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Emilia Perez, a former high-ranking member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels, has made headlines after undergoing gender-affirming surgery in Tel Aviv, Israel. Perez, who was arrested in 2015 and extradited to the United States in 2017, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on drug trafficking charges.

After serving her sentence, Perez was released from prison and immediately began the process of transitioning to live as a woman. She adopted the name Emilia and started hormone replacement therapy. In 2023, Perez traveled to Tel Aviv to undergo gender-affirming surgery.

Perez's journey to Tel Aviv for surgery

Perez's decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery in Tel Aviv was motivated by Israel's reputation as a leader in transgender healthcare. Israel has a long history of providing comprehensive care to transgender people, including gender-affirming surgery.

In Tel Aviv, Perez was able to access a team of experienced surgeons who specialize in gender-affirming surgery.

What is gender-affirming surgery?

Gender-affirming surgery is a type of surgery that helps transgender people align their physical body with their gender identity.

For transgender women, this surgery may include procedures such as breast augmentation, facial feminization surgery, and vaginoplasty.