A woman from North Carolina was shocked to see that her sexuality was listed as a medical problem at the Lake Park Family Practice of Carolinas Healthcare System. The woman, Kristina Rodriguez, complaint because she thinks that considering lesbianism as a medical condition could affect people’s self-esteem.

Kristina Rodriguez, 29, was getting a blood work done at the practice when she was shocked to find “lesbianism” as a medical issue on her medical record. She said that the practice contacted her later and offered her to remove her sexual orientation from the medical problem section and to add it in the general notes area.

Kristina Rodriguez was shocked to find “lesbianism” as a medical issue on her medical record. Image credit: ABC 11
Kristina Rodriguez was shocked to find “lesbianism” as a medical issue on her medical record. Image credit: ABC 11

“This listed as a medical problem could really set someone back, could mess with their self-esteem and could make them think something is wrong with them. It’s 2017. It’s very normal for people to have a same-sex partner,” said Rodriguez. “I was just shocked… It was listed with other previous conditions that have been resolved.”

Rodriguez: In 2017 is very normal to have a same-sex partner

Historically, homosexuality has often been referred to as a mental problem. However, it is evident now that it is not like that. Tough some religions are opposed to same-sex relationship and marriage, the number of places where same-sex marriage is allowed continues to grow.

On the other hand, discrimination toward same-sex couples is decreasing culturally. The US is not an exception to any of that. Therefore it is incredible to think that an actual health care center still lists “lesbianism” as a medical problem, as highlighted by Rodriguez, who is married to a woman and mother of two.

Sexuality shouldn’t matter

She is from Indian Trail, a small town in North Carolina. After finding “lesbianism” listed as a medical issue on her medical record, she filed a complaint in the medical center. She argued that it is not possible that in 2017 this is considered a medical issue since it is pretty normal to see same-sex couples nowadays. She said that for lesbian people, this kind of situations could set them back, ruin their self-esteem and make them feel unfairly judged.

Kristina Rodriguez thinks that considering lesbianism as a medical condition could affect people’s self-esteem. Image credit: Screengrab from WSOC / Inq POP
Kristina Rodriguez thinks that considering lesbianism as a medical condition could affect people’s self-esteem. Image credit: Screengrab from WSOC / Inq POP

“Shocked would be the best way to describe,” said Rodriguez. “I think I will always be documented as lesbianism, maybe I can call out of work for my condition and I’m not sure.”

Rodriguez stated that her sexuality should not matter and should not be listed at all. She said she doesn’t want people to see a similar note.

An investigation is being carried out at the center to know why “lesbianism” was included on Rodriguez’ medical problems section. The Carolinas HealthCare System admitted it wasn’t an apt clinical diagnosis. She said that her doctor at the medical care provider contacted her and told her they could move her sexual orientation from the “medical problem” section of her history record to the “general notes” section.

Source: WWLP.com