AGLP to Honor Pioneering Gay-Rights Activists

The association of Gay and lesbian Psychiatrists' (AGLP) next major event marks a milestone in our history of advocacy—the first presentation of the APA John Fryer, M.D., Award.

Over the past year, AGLP, along with APA and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) psychiatrists, has raised $50,000 to endow the award. The award joins other APA awards for underrepresented minorities and recognizes public figures who have made significant contributions to the mental health of LGBT people.

Fryer was known as Dr. Anonymous when, with his identity masked, he gave a courageous speech at APA's 1972 annual meeting that contributed to the declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness. Long-time gay civil rights activists Barbara Gittings and Franklin kameny, Ph.D., who were on the same panel as Fryer in 1972, will be the first recipients of the award.

Fryer awardees will deliver a lecture each year, with the location alternating between APA's institute on Psychiatric Services and the annual meeting.

In honor of this new award, APA's 2006 institute will feature a day-long program on lesbian and gay issues on Saturday, october 7, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in new york City. The program features the presentation of the Fryer award and will cover a broad array of topics pertinent to the mental health of LGBT individuals (see Original article: box).

The institute offers a fee category for one-day registrations, so it is possible to register just for Saturday's events. Since the timing of the full-day program is coordinated with other institute activities, you will be able to attend other workshops or symposia on that day as well.

AGLP encourages medical students and residents to attend this year's institute, especially those who have never done so before. Registration is free for medical students and only $75 for APA members-in-training.

AGLP will hold its fall business meeting at the institute this year, instead of in September during the fall component meetings. The business meeting, on Sunday, october 8, is open to all AGLP members and is a great way to learn more about AGLP's many programs and to become more involved in AGLP.

We are also scheduling two general receptions and a reception for medical students and psychiatry residents.

AGLP, an allied organization of APA, is a national organization with 500 psychiatrist members. Its activities include educational sessions and social events in conjunction with APA's annual meetings. The organization publishes a quarterly newsletter as well as the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Psychotherapy.

More information about the AGLP meeting is available online at<www.AGLP.org> or by phone at (215) 222-2800. ▪