Date: June 23, 1973

Overview:
On June 23, 1973, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) officially voted to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), marking a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. The decision ended decades of categorization of homosexuality as a mental illness, significantly impacting medical, social, and legal perspectives on LGBTQ+ identities.

Historical Context: Homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder in the first edition of the DSM published in 1952. At the time, prevailing psychiatric beliefs viewed homosexuality as pathological, often attributing it to psychological trauma or developmental issues.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, many psychiatrists and psychologists promoted treatments aimed at “curing” homosexuality, including conversion therapies, electroconvulsive therapy, aversion therapy, and psychoanalytic treatment.

Activism and Advocacy: The 1969 Stonewall Riots galvanized LGBTQ+ activism, fostering greater visibility and demands for equal rights and acceptance. Activist groups, such as the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), challenged the classification of homosexuality as a mental illness. They argued that this classification fueled discrimination and stigma, negatively impacting the lives and mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals.

One significant event occurred during the 1970 APA convention in San Francisco, where activists disrupted proceedings to demand the removal of homosexuality from the DSM. Additionally, Dr. John E. Fryer, under the pseudonym “Dr. H. Anonymous,” delivered a historic speech at the 1972 APA convention, speaking candidly about the harmful effects of stigmatizing homosexuality within psychiatry.

Scientific Reevaluation: Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, emerging research increasingly challenged the classification of homosexuality as pathological. Studies, notably by Dr. Evelyn Hooker, demonstrated no inherent psychological dysfunction among homosexual individuals compared to heterosexual individuals. Hooker’s 1957 groundbreaking research provided scientific evidence supporting the notion that homosexuality was a normal variant of human sexuality.

In response to mounting evidence and internal advocacy, the APA formed a special committee to review homosexuality’s classification. The committee, headed by Dr. Robert Spitzer, concluded that homosexuality did not inherently constitute a mental disorder.

Official Decision: On December 15, 1973, after extensive debate and a referendum among APA members, the APA’s Board of Trustees announced their decision to remove homosexuality from the DSM. However, the initial critical decision was reached earlier, with the pivotal vote by the APA’s Nomenclature Committee taking place on June 23, 1973, effectively beginning the process of its removal.

In 1974, the DSM-II (seventh printing) officially excluded homosexuality as a mental illness, replacing it with “Sexual Orientation Disturbance,” which referred specifically to individuals distressed by their sexual orientation.

Immediate Impact: The removal was a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ rights, providing validation for activists and significantly reducing stigma. It helped shift public perceptions, allowing more people to openly embrace their sexual orientation. This decision also led to significant legal and social reforms, as homosexuality could no longer be legally discriminated against based on psychiatric grounds.

Long-Term Implications: The decision influenced international psychiatric bodies. By 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), reflecting broader global acceptance.

However, despite this critical advancement, stigma and discrimination persisted in many communities and institutions. Some mental health professionals and religious groups continued to advocate for conversion therapies, a practice increasingly condemned as unethical and harmful.

Legacy: The removal of homosexuality from the DSM is celebrated as a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ history. June 23 remains an essential date commemorated by activists and scholars. It is recognized for its role in the broader movement toward civil rights, social acceptance, and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.