DSM Discrimination and the LGBT Community: Using the History of Diagnostic Discrimination Against Sexual Minorities to Contextualize Current Issues in Transgender and Gender Diverse Mental Healthcare

Authors

Ginelle Wolfe, The University of AkronFollow
Nicole FogwellFollow

Abstract

This paper provides a historical context of diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) related to sexual orientation and gender identity. We use the historical context of psychology’s discrimination against sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons) to critique current discriminatory practices targeting gender diverse (i.e., trans, nonbinary, and other not cisgender) persons- specifically, the explicit pathologizing of gender variance. The events that led to the removal of homosexuality as a diagnosis are discussed, as are subsequent diagnoses related to sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to pathologize gender variance. We conclude by deriving recommendations for clinical work with transgender and gender non-conforming (TGGD) individuals from existing literature and our historical review.

Recommended Citation

Wolfe, Ginelle and Fogwell, Nicole (2022) "DSM Discrimination and the LGBT Community: Using the History of Diagnostic Discrimination Against Sexual Minorities to Contextualize Current Issues in Transgender and Gender Diverse Mental Healthcare," Psychology from the Margins: Vol. 4, Article 2.
Available at: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/psychologyfromthemargins/vol4/iss1/2