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Constance J. Johnson, MD
Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Md

JAMA. 1997;278(7):549.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.

—In the Commentary on the safety of long-term prenatal glucocorticoid treatment, Drs Seckl and Miller¹ state, "Furthermore, it has been suggested that fetal androgens can 'masculinize' the human brain, as adult females with CAH [congenital adrenal hyperplasia] have a higher incidence of lesbianism, less interest in sexual activity, and a negative body image; prenatal dexamethasone may diminish this potential action of fetal androgens." This implies that being a lesbian is a masculinized state and also is a negative outcome. Clearly there is much to be learned about human behavior, and studies that further our knowledge should be applauded. However, homosexuality is not a pathologic condition and should not be framed as such in the medical literature. Furthermore, lesbians are not masculinized women. The perpetuation of these negative stereotypes is a disservice to all gay and lesbian colleagues and patients. . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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