John E. Fryer, M.D.

John Fryer 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 had classified homosexuality as a mental disorder since 1952. Though disguised as Dr. Henry Anonymous, Dr. Fryer put himself at considerable professional risk by announcing his homosexuality at the meeting during a time when a medical license could be revoked on that basis.

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