On this day, 44 years ago in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) made a groundbreaking decision that would shape the course of LGBTQ+ history. The APA, the world’s largest psychiatric organization, issued a resolution definitively stating that homosexuality was neither a mental illness nor a sickness. This pivotal declaration played a crucial role in reshaping public opinion and stands as a significant milestone in the ongoing journey toward LGBTQ+ equality.

The resolution boldly proclaimed, “We will no longer insist on a label of sickness for individuals who insist that they are well and demonstrate no generalized impairment in social effectiveness.” Furthermore, the APA expressed its support for civil rights legislation at various levels of government, advocating for the same protections for homosexual citizens that were afforded to others.

Over 40 years have passed since this historic moment, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues. Despite notable progress, 31 states lack clear, fully-inclusive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. This gap exposes LGBTQ+ people to the risk of discrimination in employment, housing, and access to services based on their identity or who they love.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is actively championing The Equality Act, a legislative initiative aimed at establishing consistent and explicit federal non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across critical aspects of life. This comprehensive act covers areas such as employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

In recent years, the APA has remained a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. They have vehemently opposed the harmful practice of “conversion therapy” and stood against the Trump-Pence Administration’s ban on qualified transgender individuals serving in the military. This commitment reflects the APA’s dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.