John E. Fryer

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John E. Fryer

John E. Fryer (pronounced: John E. Fry-er, /dʒɒn iː fraɪər/) was an American psychiatrist and gay rights activist best known for his anonymous speech at the 1972 American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual conference where he appeared in disguise and under the name Dr. H. Anonymous. This event significantly influenced the APA's decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Etymology

The name John is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious". The surname Fryer is of English origin, derived from the Old English 'frygere', meaning 'free' and 'man'. The middle initial 'E' stands for Ercel, a less common name of uncertain origin.

Early Life and Education

John E. Fryer was born on November 7, 1937, in Kentucky, USA. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Vanderbilt University and later earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville.

Career

Fryer held a faculty position at the Temple University School of Medicine and later at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He was also a staff psychiatrist at the Philadelphia Psychiatric Center.

Activism

Fryer's most notable contribution to the gay rights movement was his speech at the 1972 APA conference. His speech, delivered in disguise to protect his identity, challenged the APA's classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder. This event played a significant role in the APA's decision to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1973.

Death

John E. Fryer died on February 21, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Related Terms

External links

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