As recent as the 1970s, homosexuality was considered a mental illness, listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), alongside diagnoses like schizophrenia and psychosis. This classification gave cover to discrimination, legitimized conversion therapy, and reinforced social stigma.
In 1970 and 1971, gay and lesbian activists staged brave disruptions at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. Activists demanded not to be seen as patients to be cured but as people deserving dignity, love, and liberation.
By 1973? Victory.
Due to sustained pressure, strategic advocacy, and relentless courage, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the DSM. The system didn’t shift on its own. It was pushed, pulled, and cracked open by collective courage.
Right now, many in the LGBTQ community, particularly trans, non-binary, Black, brown, and disabled queer people are facing fresh waves of legislative violence, erasure, and targeted hate. From anti-trans bills to book bans to attacks on gender-affirming care, we’re all wondering if it’ll ever get better.
But let’s remember what’s possible when we resist together. Yes, these times are bleak. But looking back, we’ve had bleak times before. But the activists didn’t retreat. To every movement builder out there, history is telling you to keep going.
