Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 58

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Stigma based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and, concomitantly, violence and discrimination, may arise in a variety of situations, including in the medical and related sectors, and this is linked with the issue of pathologization. Before 1990, even at the international level, homosexuals were classified as mentally ill; this exemplified a pathologizing approach towards sexual and gender identity (looking as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons as suffering from some form of illness, mental disorder, dysphoria or incongruence), which is now increasingly being questioned. Even though the pathologization facing homosexuals/gays is now no longer the case internationally, at the national and local levels, the situation is still opaque. There are also some parts of the world where gays and lesbians are still being forced into conversion therapy in the distorted belief that this will change their sexual orientation and gender identity. In regard to transgender and intersex persons, the situation is difficult internationally, as they still fall under the International Classification of Diseases, which is now in the process of being adjusted to reduce stigma. There is a further consideration as regards how to ensure sustained access to medical care and services, such as access to hormones and related treatment. The preferred approach should be to ensure access to comprehensive health care for all, without resorting to labels that give rise to stigma. The invitation to destigmatize and depathologize opens the door to more cooperation with the medical, scientific and ethics sectors, to promote shared understanding that sexual orientation and gender identity are part of the natural state of being human, and correlatively, to ensure respect for all persons without distinction.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Gender
Person(s) affected
  • LGBTQI+
Year
2017
Paragraph type
Other
Paragraph number
58