History of DSM and Homosexuality

The original DSM classified homosexuality as a "Sexual Deviation," as did DSM-II in 1968. However, in December 1973, the DSM-II was modified by the APA Board of Trustees, who voted to eliminate the general category of homosexuality and replace it with “Sexual Orientation Disturbance.” In 1973, a position statement on homosexuality and civil rights was released.

In 1980, the DSM-III removed homosexuality as a disorder unless the person was anxious or depressed about their sexual orientation—leaving only "Ego-Dystonic Homosexuality." Any mention of homosexuality was eliminated in the 1987 DSM-III-R edition, as well as in subsequent DSM-IV and DSM-5 editions.