Pioneers & Progress: Leading the Way in LGBTQ+ Healthcare

By: Salvatore Volpe, M.D., FACS, FAAP, FACP, FHIMSS, ABP-CI, CHCQM

June is the month that we remember the history of the Gay Liberation Movement.

June is chosen in recognition of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which occurred in response to the New York City police raid of the Greenwich Village gay club called the Stonewall Inn.

This month’s blog will feature some of the healthcare pioneers from within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies that have made an important impact:

• Dr. Sara Josephine Baker

• Dr. Alan L. Hart

• Dr. John Fryer

• Dr. Anthony Fauci

• Sister Mary and Sister Pat

Dr. Sara Josephine Baker

“Dr. S. Josephine Baker expanded the scope of public health care as the first director of New York’s Bureau of Child Hygiene from 1908 to 1923. In 1917, she became the first woman to earn a doctorate in public health from New York University and Bellevue Hospital Medical College (later the New York University School of Medicine)”.1

It was during her term as Assistant Commissioner of Health and thereafter that Dr. Baker became instrumental in many public health interventions and initiatives that were replicated throughout the United States. She helped identify Mary Mallon, aka “Typhoid Mary,” who was responsible for a small typhoid epidemic in New York City.

As the Director of the Bureau of Child Hygiene, she spearheaded many programs, including midwife training and the Little Mothers Leagues who trained girls 12 years of age and older in basic infant care, permitting mothers to go more safely to work.

Her newly created school health program (later adopted by thirty-five states) and other crucial initiatives resulted in New York City having the lowest mortality rate of any major city in the United States. ¹

Dr. Alan L. Hart

One of Dr. Hart’s most consequential contributions to the practice of medicine was the use of chest x-rays to screen for tuberculosis. By permitting early detection before individuals were symptomatic, many lives were saved resulting in a reduction of the spread of tuberculosis. Thus, this simple intervention helped reduce tuberculosis as the leading cause of death in the United States and throughout the world. ^{2, 3, 4}

Dr. John Fryer

Dr. John Fryer’s speech at the 1972 American Psychiatric Association has been described as a “watershed moment in the history of gay liberation.” As a sign of the times, he was disguised wearing a wig, a face mask, an overly large tuxedo and had his voice distorted electronically.

He is quoted as saying, “I am a homosexual. I am a psychiatrist.”

During that time, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II) had listed homosexuality as a “sexual deviation.” Following Dr. Fryers’ speech, in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. In the 1980 edition of the DSM-III, homosexuality was no longer listed as a mental disorder.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

While initially Dr. Fauci was not well-regarded by the gay community in the 1980s because of the slow and non-inclusive HIV/AIDS research, he is recognized today by many for eventually having directed the research into the virus’ origins, transmission and treatment. That work impacted the lives of many throughout the world.

Sister Mary and Sister Pat

Sister Mary, who had a background in nursing and Sister Pat, who had worked as a social worker, were moved by the plight of homeless people with AIDS. After a year of construction and staff recruitment, they opened Providence House Oakland. Her 40 apartments provided tenants with affordable housing and holistic care that was difficult to find.

As we reflect on the incredible strides made, we extend our deepest gratitude to these pioneering healthcare providers. Their unwavering dedication and courageous contributions have not only transformed LGBTQ+ patient care but have also paved the way for a more inclusive, equitable and compassionate healthcare landscape for all. Their legacy continues to inspire and drive progress.

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This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as dental or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, dental or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.

References

1 https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_19.html

2 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trailblazing-transgender-doctor-saved-countless-lives/

3 https://umsi580.lsait.lsa.umich.edu/s/queer-professionals-in-stem/page/alanhart

4 https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/49/5/1700364

5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1125557/

6 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11418601/

7 https://www.providence.org/supportive-housing/find-a-place-to-live/providence-house-oakland