Evans, Casey Honor LGBTQ Pioneer Dr. John Fryer
Press Release
Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) have introduced resolutions to honor the life and work of Dr. John Fryer, an LGBTQ rights activist from Philadelphia who played a central role in moving the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to delist homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The resolutions would also designate May 2, 2022, as "Dr. John E. Fryer Day," commemorating 50 years since his landmark speech that helped move the APA.
Evans, a member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, said, "Dr. Fryer's courage as the first American psychiatrist to speak publicly about his homosexuality changed the course of LGBTQ history. With the APA's classification reversed, states around the country began repealing discriminatory "sodomy' and anti-gay laws over the following years, clearing the way for millions of Americans to come out and live happier, healthier lives. This momentous change also helped activists and allies to push for the passage of local and state non-discrimination laws. I'm proud that Philadelphia was home to this pioneering activist, and I'm happy to join with Senator Casey and several of our colleagues to honor him."
"I am proud to commemorate the work of Pennsylvania's own Dr. John Fryer," Casey said. "His work to delist homosexuality as a mental disorder was monumental in repealing discriminatory anti-gay laws. Dr. Fryer's dedication to equality for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, made him an American trailblazer. I am honored to celebrate his life and work by designating May 2, 2022 as "Dr. John E. Fryer Day.'"
Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, said, "Fifty years ago, Dr. Fryer, at great personal risk, testified about his sexual orientation and the harm of the American Psychiatric Association's designation of homosexuality as a mental disorder. His testimony was crucial in reversing this APA policy, and this change helped empower LGBTQ+ people to live their lives openly and fight to secure their rights at all levels of government. On behalf of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I want to thank Equality Caucus member Rep. Evans and Sen. Casey for introducing this resolution to honor the life and work of LGBTQ+ hero Dr. Fryer."
Beginning in 1952, the APA classified homosexuality as a mental disorder, and because of then-existing therapeutic protocol, thousands of gay and bisexual Americans were subjected to forced conversion therapy, chemical castration, electric shock therapy, mental institutionalization, and lobotomies, among other horrific acts. The APA's classification was broadly used to demonize homosexuals and justify discriminatory, anti-gay laws throughout the country.
In 1971, gay rights pioneers Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings successfully petitioned the APA for a panel to discuss its classification of homosexuality. However, few gay psychiatrists were willing to testify and risk losing their professional license. Dr. Fryer, at risk of ending his career, testified on May 2, 1972, under the pseudonym of "Dr. Henry Anonymous" and while wearing a mask and using a voice modulator, about the fear and discrimination he experienced due to the APA's classification and offered guidance on how the organization and individual psychiatrists could better treat gay patients and support gay doctors. As a result of his testimony, the APA began the process of reassessing its classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, and in 1973, the APA voted to reverse its prior classification.
Dr. Fryer continued to practice and teach psychiatry in Philadelphia and became one of the first psychiatrists to professionally treat people with HIV/AIDS. He passed away in Philadelphia in 2003 at age 65. His life's work has been celebrated in theater productions and films, and has been recognized by the City of Philadelphia, which has proclaimed May 2, 2022 as John Fryer Day in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his testimony.
Evans' House resolution (H. Res. 1019) has 14 co-sponsors, including Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5); and Casey's Senate resolution (S. Res. 574) is co-sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
Evans represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. During Evans' first five years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $25 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. His website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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