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| - Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Some online voices are asserting that being LGBTQIA+ is a neurological disorder. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A twitter post reads, “Gay is neurological disorder that needs to be curb and not find an excuse for. What is bad is bad!”
There are several other posts that claim similar things for the entire LGBTQIA+ community. Such as a Twitter post reads, “I identify LGBT as abnormality in brain”.
Fact Check
What does the abbreviation “LGBTQIA+” mean?
The acronym LGBTQIA+ represents a diverse range of sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. It can be broken down into:
L: Lesbian – It broadly refers to a homosexual person who identifies with the feminine gender (born or identifies themselves) and who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to another person with a feminine gender. It must be noted that women can also be bisexual or pansexual women or transwomen too. Under exceptional circumstances, a woman identifies as lesbian and is in a relationship with a transmasculine partner or intersex person.
G: Gay – Traditionally used to describe a homosexual person who identifies with the male gender (born or identifies themselves) who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to another person with a male gender. However, it is now often used as an inclusive term for individuals of all genders who are attracted to the same gender. It must be noted that men can also be transmen or bisexual or pan-sexual men and be in a relationship with anyone who identifies with any of these identities.
B: Bisexual – Refers to individuals who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people who identify with both the male gender and female gender.
T: Transgender – Describes individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender people may identify as male, female, both, neither, or as another gender entirely.
Q: Queer – An umbrella term that describes individuals who do not conform to societal norms regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. It can be a self-identifier for those who don’t fit within traditional categories or prefer a more fluid or non-specific label.
I: Intersex – Refers to individuals who are born with biological variations in their sexual characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex variations can include chromosomal, hormonal, or anatomical differences.
A: Asexual – Describes individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction toward others. It must be noted that asexual individuals may still form romantic or emotional connections with others.
+: The “+” symbolizes inclusivity and recognizes that the acronym does not encompass all identities and experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. It acknowledges and invites the representation of other identities, such as pansexual, non-binary, genderqueer, and more.
It is important to note that language and terminology evolve over time, and different communities may use variations of the acronym or employ different terms to describe their identities and experiences. Respecting individuals’ self-identifications and using their preferred terminology is critical to fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Is being from a LGBTQIA+ community a neurological disorder?
No. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that being LGBTQIA+ is a neurological disorder. Sexual orientation, gender identity, and diverse expressions of gender are natural and expected variations of human sexuality and identity. They are not considered illnesses, disorders, or abnormalities.
A study investigated the structural differences in the brains of homosexual and heterosexual people. They found that homosexual men had significantly larger volumes of the right amygdala and hippocampus. While homosexual women had significantly larger volumes of the left amygdala and hippocampus. However, we need more research to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms by which these differences in brain structure may influence sexual orientation. It should be noted that despite this, the study does not indicate a neurological defect, rather structural changes.
Numerous scientific studies have supported the understanding that sexual orientation and gender identity have biological, psychological, and social underpinnings. Many factors contribute to a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity, including genetics, environment, and personal experiences. However, there is no single factor that can definitively explain why someone is LGBTQIA+.
It is important to note that being LGBTQIA+ is not a choice. People do not choose to be LGBTQIA+, just as they do not choose their eye or hair color. LGBTQIA+ people are simply born this way.
Research suggests that these aspects of identity have complex origins involving a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. All of this suggests that being a person belonging to this community doesn’t indicate a neurological defect.
Is it any other type of disorder?
No. Historically, there have been misconceptions and stigmatization of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including attempts to pathologize their identities. However, these perspectives have been widely discredited. Also contemporary scientific research supports the understanding that being LGBTQIA+ is a normal and healthy aspect of human diversity.
The understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity has evolved over time. In the past, there were misconceptions and societal biases that labelled LGBTQIA+ individuals as deviant or mentally ill. Sexual orientation refers to a person’s enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to men, women, both genders, or neither gender. Gender identity refers to an individual’s deeply felt sense of being male, female, a combination of both, or neither. These aspects of human identity are deeply ingrained and are not considered disorders or illnesses.
Currently, scientific and medical communities have made significant progress in recognizing the natural and diverse spectrum of human sexual and gender identities. The World Health Organization declassified being transgender as a mental disorder and now recognizes the importance of affirming gender diversity and providing appropriate healthcare support.
In fact, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders since 1973. The APA now recognizes that being LGBTQIA+ is a normal and healthy variation of human sexuality.
It is also important to remember that being LGBTQIA+ is not a mental illness. There is no evidence to suggest that being LGBTQIA+ harms a person’s mental health.
Dr Abhishek Juneja, Consultant Neurologist in Delhi informs, “LGBTQIA+ is a part of the spectrum of sexual inclination and desires. This generally has no bearing on the manifestations and treatment of neurological disorders among patients. It’s not a disease but a normal variation from established socio-cultural standards in our society. I, as a practicing clinician, do not give much importance to the gender/sexual inclination of the patient while providing the treatment.”
In fact, many studies have shown that people from LGBTQIA+ community are just as mentally healthy as heterosexual and cisgender people. But, they experience significant emotional distress and mental health challenges due to stigmatization, victimization, discrimination and barriers to accessing mental healthcare services which negatively impact their mental health. But, if the same happens to a heterosexual person, it can impact their mental health as well.
Many people believe that counselling can effectively treat individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. To address this question, we consulted with Psychologist Dr Binda Singh. She emphasized that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is not a psychological disorder. It is considered normal and natural by reputable psychiatric associations and the World Health Organization. However, counselling can be beneficial for individuals. These people within the community may be facing behavioural issues, experiencing gender dysphoria, or struggling with their sexual identity. It can provide support and guidance to navigate these challenges and address the psychological impact of societal stigmatization and myths that often affect the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people. Counselling serves as a valuable resource in helping them overcome psychological trauma and develop a positive sense of self.
Hence, choosing a sexual or gender identity is not a mental disease or disorder. But the social and emotional challenges leave them at an increased risk of it.
It is crucial to respect and affirm the identities and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, just as we would for any other individual. Supporting their rights to self-identify, live authentically, and be free from discrimination is fundamental for fostering inclusivity and equality. Society has increasingly embraced the understanding that LGBTQIA+ individuals deserve dignity, respect, and the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
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