APA Votes to Remove Homosexuality as Disorder

December 15th, 1973

December 15th, 1973

APA Votes to Remove Homosexuality as Disorder
How Long Ago?

51 years, 3 months ago

Location

Washington, D.C., United States

Category

Health & Medicine

People
  • Dr. Robert Spitzer
  • Dr. John Money
  • Dr. Evelyn Hooker
Links & References
Tags

APA Votes to Remove Homosexuality as Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to remove homosexuality from the DSM as a mental disorder. This landmark decision reflected evolving societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. The vote was a culmination of years of advocacy by gay rights activists and mental health professionals. The decision was also influenced by new research indicating that homosexuality is not inherently linked to mental illness. The resolution was celebrated by many as a significant step towards equality and respect for LGBTQ+ rights.

Unanimous 13-0 vote by APA leadership

Changed societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+

Influenced by 1960s gay rights activism

Paved the way for future DSM revisions

What Happened?

In December 1973, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) made a groundbreaking decision to remove homosexuality from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a move that signified the shifting landscape of mental health perspectives and societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. The unanimous vote of 13 to 0 by the board followed years of intense debate, advocacy, and mounting evidence refuting earlier beliefs that homosexuality was a mental illness. Activists and professionals had campaigned tirelessly for the re-evaluation of homosexuality's status, highlighting the negative consequences of labeling it as a disorder, including discrimination, stigma, and psychological harm.

The APA's decision was catalyzed by the increasing visibility of the LGBTQ+ rights movement during the 1960s and early 1970s, particularly following events like the Stonewall Riots in 1969 that galvanized activism. Leading figures within the mental health community, including Dr. Robert Spitzer, played a pivotal role in this transition by conducting studies and engaging in discussions that challenged the outdated views held by many in psychiatry. As a result, the 1973 vote reflected not only a transformation in psychiatric thinking but also a broader cultural shift towards acceptance and understanding of sexual diversity.

Following the vote, the APA amended the DSM-II to replace the term 'homosexuality' with 'sexual orientation disturbance,' a less pathologizing term. This change was met with mixed reactions from some within the psychiatric community and conservative groups; however, it contributed significantly to the destigmatization of homosexuality. In subsequent decades, the DSM would see further revisions, ultimately leading to the complete removal of any pathological classifications related to sexual orientation. This landmark moment is widely regarded as a pivotal change in the relationship between psychiatry and the LGBTQ+ community, representing a shift towards affirming and validating diverse sexual identities within medical discourse.

Why Does it Matter?

The APA's decision to remove homosexuality from its list of psychiatric disorders was a catalyst for larger movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition. It served as a cornerstone in the fight against the stigma that has historically surrounded sexual orientation and mental health. By challenging established norms, this decision opened the door for further research, acceptance, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals in the healthcare system and beyond.

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