Queer identity refers to an umbrella term used to describe individuals who do not identify as cisgender or heterosexual. Queer people are often subject to discrimination and stigma due to their nonconforming gender expression and sexual preferences. This discrimination can lead to feelings of isolation, marginalization, and mental health issues.
There is also a history of queer people being pathologized in medical literature, leading to further harmful effects. In this article, we will explore how the persistent pathologization of queer identities in medicine reveals deeper philosophical tensions between normality, health, and individuality.
Normality vs. abnormality
In the past, queer identities were seen as abnormal or deviant and required treatment in order to be 'cured'.
Homosexuality was once considered a mental illness until it was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1973. This pathologizing of queer identities led to forced sterilizations, electroshock therapy, and other harmful treatments. While these practices have been largely discredited, the legacy of pathologization still lingers in medical literature today.
Health vs. well-being
The concept of health has traditionally been tied to normative expectations of what is considered 'healthy' for society. This focus on norms can create barriers to accessing care for queer individuals, who may feel uncomfortable discussing their sexuality with providers or fear judgment.
The lack of research and knowledge about queer experiences means that providers may not understand how to address specific health concerns, such as HIV prevention or gender dysphoria.
Individuality vs. conformity
Queerness challenges societal expectations around gender and sexuality, which can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization.
This also allows for greater self-expression and exploration of identity. The persistent pathologization of queer identities in medicine reinforces the idea that there is only one way to be 'normal', leading to further stigma and discrimination against those who do not fit into traditional categories. It also perpetuates the notion that being different is something that needs to be fixed rather than celebrated.
The pathologization of queer identities in medicine reveals deeper philosophical tensions between normality, health, and individuality. By recognizing that there are many ways to express gender and sexuality, we can move towards a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be human. We must continue to challenge the medical establishment to recognize and affirm the diverse experiences of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How does the persistent pathologization of queer identities in medicine reveal deeper philosophical tensions between normality, health, and individuality?
The persistent pathologization of queer identities in medicine has been criticized for its underlying assumptions about normality, health, and individuality. According to these critics, such pathologizing practices perpetuate the belief that there is only one type of acceptable identity and behavior, which ultimately undermines the right to self-determination and freedom of expression.