Re‐examining our roots: Queer history and anatomy

Abstract

Since its establishment as one of the major authorities on the human body, Anatomy has played a crucial role in social and political spheres. In this article, I review how the history of Anatomy has intersected with queer history and how the effects of these interactions have affected queer lives today. In these historical cases, I aim to demonstrate how Anatomy has affected the social organization of human culture and society and also how society has affected anatomical knowledge in return. As this reciprocal connection between Anatomy and societal organization is elucidated, I argue that anatomists, clinicians, and educators have an ethical duty to address the connections of this history, both in our research and our classrooms. This historical tour begins in the ancient world, which established a connection between sexuality and physiology and reproduction. This is followed by an exploration of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, which highlight the connections between anatomical knowledge, the law, and social organization. The progressive and modern eras are explored next via modern research into the anatomical and biological origins of same‐sex attraction and the use of modern technology in these investigations. Finally, the article ends with a call for reform along with suggestions for future steps.

Homophobic violence and corporality among homosexual men: A theoretical proposal.

“…In addition, this proposal needs interdisciplinary dialog with biological sciences because these show the effects of social spaces on the structural changes of the body (Smith, 2022). Also, a dialog must be kept with artistic disciplines that define corporality as a constituent of a work of art in itself (Cornide, 2020; Ferreira & Botelho, 2020; Kelaita, 2022).…”

Evolution of a discipline—The changing face of anatomy

“…The next two articles complement one another in that they both address the need for more inclusive language in the anatomy classroom. Smith ( 2022 ) takes an important look at the intersection between queer history and the history of anatomy and reflects on how this intersection affects queer lives today. The article ends with a call for reform of the language we use to describe reproductive anatomy.…”

The Core Concepts, Competencies, and Grand Challenges of Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Morphology

“…Finally, it is important to note that just as anatomical studies of skulls were used to support racism and eugenics, anatomical studies have also contributed to the repression and harm of those people who are LGBTQ+. Smith (2022) provides a thorough summary of queer history and Human Anatomy; here we highlight some of his points. Beginning in the 19th century, comparative studies of genitalia were used to classify lesbians, Asian women, and African women as peculiar or abnormal ( Somerville 1994 ; Dreger 1998 ).…”

“…Beginning in the 19th century, comparative studies of genitalia were used to classify lesbians, Asian women, and African women as peculiar or abnormal ( Somerville 1994 ; Dreger 1998 ). Anal morphology was used to identify and harm homosexual men and is still used in some parts of the world today ( Brady 2014 ; Smith 2022 ). Intersex individuals and those with ambigous genitalia have been labeled as abnormal and subjected to medical “treatments”, often without their consent (see examples in Smith 2022 ).…”

“…Anal morphology was used to identify and harm homosexual men and is still used in some parts of the world today ( Brady 2014 ; Smith 2022 ). Intersex individuals and those with ambigous genitalia have been labeled as abnormal and subjected to medical “treatments”, often without their consent (see examples in Smith 2022 ).…”