Queering gendered disabilities

Cara E. Jones, Jones CE
Journal of lesbian studies · 2020 · vol. 25(3) , pp. 195–211 · doi:10.1080/10894160.2020.1778852 · PMID:32567533 · W3036138796
Other OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 12 in-corpus citations
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This paper examines endometriosis as a gendered disability to decouple compulsory heterosexuality from compulsory able-bodiedness and proposes gender-neutral language for more inclusive discussion.

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Abstract

This project defines gendered disabilities broadly, including chronic illnesses that involve the uterus, ovaries, and other body parts traditionally classified as "female." I interrogate the usage of language such as women's health and gynecological using endometriosis, a common chronic illness that can cause severe pain, fatigue, system-wide effects, and infertility. It affects at least ten percent of cisgender women as well as unmeasured numbers of cisgender men and transgender and gender nonconforming people, occurring more commonly than migraines or Crohn's disease. Endometriosis symptoms are often debilitating and can lead to un-/under-employment, reduced quality of life, and even suicide. Once nearly invisible, endometriosis has enjoyed recent public discussion, as major news outlets have reported the individual and social costs of endometriosis, and public figures have spoken out about their experiences. However, increased public spotlight has led to the proliferation of a narrative that endo is primarily a reproductive disease, a myth begun in medical literature nearly a century ago, which overlooks significant medical evidence and drives interventions that have high rates of failure and often cause further impairment. This paper examines locations where queerness meets gendered ableism, arguing that imagining endo as a gendered disability would be a first step toward decoupling compulsory heterosexuality from compulsory able-bodiedness. I also articulate gender-neutral ways to discuss endo and recommendations for more inclusive and accurate language and practices.

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Condition tags

endometriosisinfertility

MeSH descriptors

Disability Studies Disability Studies Homosexuality, Female Homosexuality, Female Sexual and Gender Minorities Sexual and Gender Minorities Female Female Humans Humans Male Male Persons with Disabilities Persons with Disabilities Politics Politics Women's Health Women's Health

Citation neighborhood (2-hop)

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. Outer rings show 2-hop neighbours — papers reached through the immediate citers/citees. [ collapse to 1-hop ]

References (59)

Cited by (13)

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK