In 1973, the american psychiatric association (apa) removed the diagnosis of “homosexuality” from the second edition of its diagnostic and statistical manual (dsm) This resulted after comparing competing theories, those that pathologized homosexuality and those that viewed it as normal. In 1973, members of the american psychiatric association voted to remove homosexuality from the dsm This article examines the progression of classification of homosexuality in various editions of the dsm, factors influencing this progression, and implications for sexual and other minority communities. The campaign to remove the “homosexuality” diagnosis from the dsm began in earnest in the 1960s, backed by a growing civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights movement across the country. The history of homosexuality in the dsm serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between science, culture, and human rights
By embracing diversity and rejecting stigma, mental health professionals can contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.
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