There is no doubt that cisnormativity has played a significant role in shaping our modern medical system. As defined by the Oxford Dictionary, cisnormativity refers to "the assumption that all people are cisgender and that this is normal and desirable." This means that many doctors and health professionals are accustomed to thinking of gender expression as either male or female, which can be problematic for those who identify as transgender, intersex, agender, nonbinary, or otherwise outside of these binary categories. Unfortunately, this way of thinking often leads to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, misconceptions, and mistreatments when it comes to queer individuals seeking care within the healthcare system.
One of the most notable ways stigma against queer people manifests in treatment is through the lack of appropriate resources available to them. Many doctors may be unfamiliar with how to best serve patients who identify as LGBTQ+, leading to them feeling excluded from receiving adequate healthcare. In addition, there is also the issue of medical research priorities being skewed towards understanding diseases and conditions that affect mostly heterosexual cisgender individuals. Studies have shown that even though gay men make up a relatively small percentage of the population, they are disproportionately affected by certain illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and syphilis.
Medical research tends to focus more on these diseases than other conditions that affect cis women or straight men because they are seen as more "newsworthy" or exciting to study.
Another area where stigma against queer people is evident in medical systems structured around cis/heteronormative assumptions is policy-making.
Laws regarding insurance coverage for gender-affirming surgeries vary widely depending on the state you live in. Some states require insurers to cover them while others do not, creating an unequal playing field for those who want to undergo this type of treatment but cannot afford it out of pocket.
Many policies restrict access to fertility treatments based on marital status or sexual orientation, which can be harmful to same-sex couples trying to start a family together.
It's important to note that integrating queer perspectives into standard care rather than treating them as an exception can greatly improve overall health outcomes for the community. Doctors need to understand how different identities impact one's physical and mental well-being so that they can provide appropriate care. In addition, having adequate resources available to support LGBTQ+ patients will ensure that everyone receives quality healthcare regardless of their identity.
Addressing systemic issues like marriage equality and insurance coverage will help reduce barriers that prevent some individuals from accessing necessary services.
Cisnormativity has created significant hurdles within our current medical ecosystem when it comes to providing equitable care for all individuals. By prioritizing research into conditions that affect cisgender heterosexual individuals over other groups, failing to offer appropriate resources for LGBTQ+ patients, and excluding them from certain policies, we are doing a disservice to those who identify as queer.
There is hope for the future, as more doctors and policymakers begin to recognize the importance of incorporating queer perspectives into mainstream healthcare practices. With time and effort, hopefully, we can create a world where everyone feels comfortable seeking medical attention without fear of discrimination or mistreatment.