To the Editor:
My 5-8 letter stated: "In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association took homosexuality off the official list (DSM-II) of psychiatric disorders. What was the scientific basis for that decision? I note that Rueda & Schwartz in "Gays, Aids and You" say this change was the result of pressure tactics and intimidation.
Also, Herrell and others published papers in the Archives of General Psychiatry, showing homosexual people are at a substantially higher risk for some forms of emotional problems, including suicidal tendencies, major depression, and anxiety disorder."
The author of the June 1, 2012 "Homosexuality not a disorder" responded with: Homosexuality is not a "disorder because it does not have any symptoms, does not cause suffering and does not cause any disability or impairment whatsoever. It was formerly considered a disorder, but this classification never had any 'scientific' basis."
My question for him is: On what research data do you base your statement? And have you researched the ex-homosexual websites for actual testimonies of those who left the lifestyle? - they seem to go against your view. And check out NARTH.com (National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality) for research data. Secondly, it appears that "Homosexuality" as an abnormal behavior, was removed from the DSM-II under section 302. Sexual Deviations, because of pressure tactics. This appears to be verified in Chapter 4, of Dr. Ronald Bayer's, (a pro-homosexual psychiatrist) book, Homosexuality and American Psychiatry: The Politics of Diagnosis. (1981)
Dr. Bayer says that the first attack by homosexual activists against the APA began in 1970 when the APA held its convention in San Francisco. At that time homosexual activists decided to disrupt the conference by interrupting speakers and shouting down and ridiculing psychiatrists who viewed homosexuality as a mental disorder.
In 1971, homosexual activist Frank Kameny worked with the "Gay Liberation Front" to demonstrate against the APA's convention. At the 1971 conference, Kameny grabbed the microphone and yelled, "Psychiatry is the enemy incarnate. Psychiatry has waged a relentless war of extermination against us. You may take this as a declaration of war against you."
Meanwhile, homosexuals forged APA credentials and gained access to exhibit areas in the conference. There they threatened anyone who claimed that homosexuals needed to be cured. After much political pressure, a committee of the APA met behind closed doors in 1973 and voted to remove homosexuality as a mental disorder from the DSM-II. Opponents of this effort were given 15 minutes to protest this change.
Thanks for keeping the discussion going.