Historical Medical Categorizations Contribute to Contemporary Stigmas and Biases Against LGBTQ Populations
Medicine, psychiatry, and society have historically used categorization to make sense of human experience and behavior. In recent history, homosexuality was classified as a mental illness that could be cured through medical interventions such as electroshock therapy, lobotomy, and castration. This categorization led to stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ populations, contributing to their oppression and marginalization in many societies around the world. The stigmatization of queerness has persisted despite the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973 by the American Psychiatric Association. While this shift was a major victory for LGBTQ rights activists, it did not erase prejudices and biases against LGBTQ people. Instead, new forms of categorization emerged, including the pathologizing of transgender identities and the criminalization of same-sex relationships. These categories continue to impact the lives of queer individuals today, limiting their access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and social services.
Categorizing Sexual Orientation
In the early 20th century, psychiatrists and psychologists began to study sexual orientation with an eye toward categorization and treatment. Sigmund Freud argued that homosexuality was caused by unresolved conflicts during childhood and proposed therapies aimed at "curing" homosexuals. Other experts believed that homosexuality was a disease or a result of social influence. These theories led to the development of conversion therapy and other treatments intended to change one's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual.
These interventions were often harmful and failed to address the root causes of anti-LGBTQ attitudes within society.
Declassifying Homosexuality
Despite these efforts, the medical community continued to view homosexuality as a pathology until the late 20th century. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association voted to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders, recognizing that there was no scientific basis for its inclusion. This decision was a significant victory for LGBTQ rights activists, but it did not erase societal prejudices against queer people. The declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness paved the way for greater acceptance of non-heteronormative identities in some contexts, such as the workplace and healthcare settings. It also contributed to the rise of new categories of stigma and discrimination, particularly around transgender identities.
Categorizing Gender Identity
Medicine and psychiatry have focused on categorizing gender identity rather than sexual orientation. Transgender individuals are now commonly diagnosed with gender dysphoria, which is characterized by a conflict between an individual's biological sex and their experienced gender identity. While this category can be helpful for some individuals seeking hormone replacement therapy or gender-affirming surgeries, it has also been used to justify denying access to these treatments. Transgender individuals who do not meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis may face barriers to care and experience greater levels of discrimination and violence.
The historical categorization of sexual orientation and gender identity has contributed significantly to contemporary stigmas and biases against LGBTQ populations. These categories persist despite shifts in medical and legal frameworks, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and action to address systemic oppression. Queer individuals continue to face discrimination in employment, housing, education, and other aspects of daily life due to their perceived sexual or gender nonconformity. By recognizing the historical roots of these categorizations and working towards more inclusive policies and practices, we can create a more equitable society for all people.
How did historical medical and psychiatric categorizations contribute to contemporary stigmas and biases against LGBTQ populations?
In the past, homosexuality was considered a mental illness by most psychologists, psychiatrists, and doctors. This led to many negative stereotypes about gay people being "mentally unstable" or "abnormal. " The classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder caused discrimination and prejudice towards LGBTQ individuals and contributed to the belief that they are not normal members of society.