Medical and Psychiatric Discourses Historically Pathologizing LGBTQ Identities
The discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ people has been influenced by historical and social factors that have contributed to negative attitudes towards their identity. These discourses have led to the creation of various mental health labels that have had a significant impact on how society views these individuals. In this essay, I will explore how medical and psychiatric discourses historically pathologized LGBTQ+ identities and discuss the lasting consequences of such labeling.
Historical Context
The medical community's history of pathologizing LGBTQ+ identities dates back to ancient times when homosexual behavior was considered a deviant practice. The Greek philosopher Plato believed that homosexuals were "born that way" due to an imbalance between masculine and feminine elements. He argued that this imbalance caused men to seek out other men for physical pleasure rather than women. Similarly, Aristotle suggested that it was natural for men to desire boys because they are easier to control.
During the Renaissance, medical professionals began to view sexuality as a biological issue rather than a choice. This shift in thinking led to the classification of homosexuality as a mental illness, leading to its inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the DSM in 1973 after much debate and research.
Medical Discourses Pathologizing Sexuality
Despite the removal of homosexuality from the DSM, medical discourses continue to pathologize LGBTQ+ identities by focusing on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Some doctors have suggested that transgender individuals suffer from "gender dysphoria," a psychiatric disorder characterized by distress related to their assigned sex at birth. Others argue that people who identify as lesbian or gay suffer from "same-sex attraction disorder." These labels imply that there is something wrong with these individuals' sexual preferences and/or gender identities.
Psychiatric Discourses Pathologizing Gender Identity
Psychiatric discourses have historically pathologized gender identity by categorizing it as a mental illness. Transgender individuals were once classified as having gender identity disorder, which has since been replaced by the term "gender dysphoria" in the DSM. The diagnosis of gender dysphoria requires an individual to experience significant distress due to their gender identity or expression for at least six months before receiving treatment. This labeling suggests that being transgender is a mental health issue rather than a valid identity.
Consequences of Pathologization
The lasting consequences of pathologizing LGBTQ+ identities are far-reaching. First, such labeling reinforces negative stereotypes about these groups, leading to social stigma and prejudice. Second, it can lead to ineffective treatments that focus on changing someone's sexuality or gender identity rather than addressing underlying issues.
It can prevent LGBTQ+ individuals from accessing necessary medical care and support services.
Historical and social factors have contributed to the pathologization of LGBTQ+ identities in medical and psychiatric discourses. These labels have had a significant impact on how society views these individuals, contributing to social stigma and prejudice. It is crucial to challenge these discourses to promote acceptance and understanding of diverse identities.
How have medical and psychiatric discourses historically pathologized LGBTQ identities, and what are the lasting consequences?
Psychiatry has long been used as a tool for pathologizing LGBTQ identities. Historically, homosexuality was considered a mental illness until 1973 when it was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Even after this change, however, there were still many negative consequences associated with being identified as having a mental disorder related to one's sexual orientation.