Matthew Moore: Diagnosed with Chronic Homosexual Behavior

Matthew Moore was diagnosed with chronic homosexual behavior by his family doctor. Moore asked his doctor for a simple physical. When he received the paperwork he was stunned.

Moore does not deny that he is gay. However, he does not appreciate the diagnosis. He was specifically upset that his homosexuality was listed as a chronic disease.

As reported by NBC News, the paperwork listed “Homosexual behavior (302.0),” and stated that the condition was chronic. Prior to 1973, homosexuality was listed as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Homosexuality was removed from the DSM in 1973.

Moore could not believe what the doctor wrote on his physical:

“My jaw was on the floor. At first, I kind of laughed… and then as I thought about it and as I dealt with it, it angered me.”

Moore left with his paperwork. However, he later returned to question the doctor about her diagnosis. He says the doctor defended the diagnosis, stating that homosexuality is “still being thought of as a disease.”

When he asked her how one would cure homosexuality, she told him that it “is still up to debate.”

As reported by NECN, Matthew Moore explains that the classification implies homosexuality is a sickness. He says that many churches, and the government, have condemned homosexuality. However, he never expected the same treatment from his doctor.

Moore wrote a letter of complaint to the Torrance Memorial Physician Network. He outlined the situation and requested the return of his $30 copay.

The Torrance Memorial Physician Network returned Moore’s copay and apologized for the diagnosis:

“We would like to unequivocally state that the Torrance Memorial Physician Network does not view homosexuality as a disease or a chronic condition and we do not endorse or approve of the use of Code 302.0 as a diagnosis for homosexuality.”

Matthew Moore was satisfied with the apology, and has no plans to file a lawsuit. He simply wants to share his story. His biggest concern is that someone may receive a similar diagnosis. He does not want anyone to think they are sick because they are a homosexual.

[Image via Wikimedia]