Almost 40 years ago psychiatrist John Fryer spoke before the American Psychiatric Association (APA) wearing a mask to hide his identity. Being announced only as "Dr. H. Anonymous," Fryer announced he was a homosexual. He later was forced to resign his residency at the University of Pennsylvania and fired from Friends Hospital when officials learned of his sexual orientation. The APA recently made headlines when Robert Spitzer repudiated his 2002 study that had said reparative therapy is effective.

That's History examines the relationship between the APA and different viewpoints of the homosexual community. The Historical Society's collection include the papers of John Fryer. Please visit the library at 1300 Locust Street or search our collections online.

First page of John Fryer's speech delivered as Dr. H. Anonymous

Brochure for the Fourth Annual Reminder Day for Homosexual Rights