There has been an increasing trend towards the medicalization of queer identities, which refers to the notion that non-heterosexual identities are pathological conditions that require diagnosis and treatment. This trend is often justified by claims that homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism, and other forms of non-conforming gender and sexual expression pose a threat to public health and must be addressed through medical interventions such as therapy and hormone replacement therapy.
This approach reinforces normative assumptions about bodies, gender, and sexuality that can have negative consequences for individuals who identify as queer.
One way in which the medicalization of queer identities reinforces normative assumptions about bodies is through its focus on physical appearance. In many cases, people who identify as transgender or non-binary are encouraged to undergo surgery or hormonal treatments to align their body with their gender identity, but these procedures are based on cisnormative standards of beauty and normalcy. As a result, some transgender individuals may feel pressure to conform to these standards even if they do not want to change their physical appearance. This can lead to increased risk of body dysmorphia and self-harm.
Another way in which the medicalization of queer identities reinforces normative assumptions about sexuality is through its focus on sexual behavior. Some medical professionals believe that gay men are at high risk for HIV transmission and should therefore abstain from sex, while others argue that same-sex couples cannot reproduce naturally and should seek assisted reproductive technologies. These beliefs reinforce the idea that heterosexual relationships are natural and desirable, while non-heteronormative relationships are abnormal and problematic. This can create feelings of shame and stigma for those who identify as queer, especially when it comes to seeking medical care related to their sexual health.
The medicalization of queer identities also reinforces normative assumptions about gender by pathologizing non-conforming expressions of masculinity and femininity.
Some medical professionals have diagnosed women who express themselves in traditionally male ways (e.g., dressing in baggy clothes) with "male pseudo-organization syndrome," suggesting that there is something wrong with them because they do not conform to traditional gender roles. Similarly, transgender individuals may be told that they need to undergo surgery or hormone therapy to align their bodies with their gender identity, even if this goes against their own preferences or values.
The medicalization of queer identities reinforces normative assumptions about bodies, gender, and sexuality by promoting cisnormativity, heteronormativity, and patriarchy. While medical interventions can provide necessary support and resources for individuals who experience dysphoria or other physical or mental health issues, these interventions must be done without imposing rigid ideas about what constitutes a normal body or relationship. Instead, medical professionals should work towards creating a more inclusive and affirming space for all patients, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
In what ways does the medicalization of queer identities reinforce normative assumptions about bodies, gender, and sexuality?
The medicalization of queer identities has historically been used to pathologize nonconforming gender and sexual expression, reinforcing societal norms that privilege heteronormativity and cisgender identity. This has had significant impacts on how individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are perceived by others and how they internalize their own identities.