Queer Lens of Resistance: A Critical Anti-Oppressive Response
to the DSM-V Consultations
This paper provided
a socio-political analysis as a consultative response to the American
Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders (DSM) currently being revised for its fifth edition
to be released in spring 2013. Two subsections in the Sexual and Gender
Identity Disorders section were focused on. Utilizing a queer lens
that resists heteronormative and cisgender notions of sexuality and
gender identity, the subsections on Gender Identity Disorders and
the Paraphilias were interrogated based on social constructions of
dominant race, sexuality, gender and class notions of normality. The
lack of scientific evidence to substantiate the inclusion of a number
of diagnoses and resulting negative implications of labeling individuals
will be addressed. We argue that such diagnostic labels contribute
to oppressive forms of hegemonic discourse that serve to further marginalize
LGBT populations. Strategies of Resistance: The presenters discussed
strategies of resistance they have undertaken including the drafting
of a formal position statement on behalf of the Rainbow Health Network
for submission to the DSM-V Consultative Process, plans to hold a
public forum on the issue and to submit a paper based on this presentation
for publication in a journal. They also discussed with attendees ways
in which they can resist the impact of the DSM on the LGBT communities.