John E. Fryer, M.D. (1937-2003)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Temple professor and psychiatrist Fryer, disguised as "Dr. Anonymous," spoke against the American Psychiatric Association's classification of homosexuality as a mental illness at the APA's 1972 annual meeting. Fryer's testimony persuaded the APA to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973, ending treatments such as chemical castration, electric shock therapy, and lobotomy and paving the way for advances in LGBT civil rights.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
At the American Psychiatric Association's 1972 meeting, Temple psychiatrist John E. Fryer took the stage in a mask and voice-distorting equipment, calling himself "Dr. Anonymous" so he could speak as a gay psychiatrist without ending his career. His testimony helped persuade the APA to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1973, closing the door on cruel "treatments" and opening a new chapter in the fight for equal rights.
Why it matters
Fryer's courage marked a turning point in both medicine and civil rights, reframing millions of Americans as citizens deserving equality rather than patients in need of a cure.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall0.7 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.7 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.4 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.5 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- The Universal Sphere0.6 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe0.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.5 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden0.5 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suitesnearby · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Expressnearby · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center Citynearby · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center Citynearby · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.1 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John E. Fryer
Themes & tags
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