John E. Fryer, M.D.

John E. Fryer, M.D., was a gay American psychiatrist who dramatically challenged the status quo of psychiatry at the 1972 APA Annual Meeting in Dallas. At that time, the APA’s classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder had been in place for twenty years. Although he was disguised as “Dr. H. Anonymous,” Dr. Fryer put himself at considerable professional risk by speaking out, as he announced his homosexuality during a time when a medical license could be revoked on that basis.

His brave and compelling testimony spurred the APA to act. A panel was convened to evaluate the basis for the DSM classification of homosexuality, and in 1973, it was delisted as a mental disorder. In 2006, the APA named the John Fryer Award, which honors individuals who have contributed to improving the mental health of sexual minorities, after him.

Read more about the John Fryer Award here.