06/20/2026
In honor of Pride Month, we are highlighting two healthcare heroes who contributed to LGBTQ+ medicine throughout history.
1️⃣John Fryer (Dr. H. Anonymous)
Fryer was a psychiatrist whose bravery was pivotal to the understanding of homosexuality. In 1952, the American Psychiatric Association classified homosexuality as a “sociopathic personality disorder,” harming q***r individuals and falsely establishing homosexuality as a disorder that needed to be cured. Q***r activists came together in protest of the APA annual conference.
In 1972, John Fryer attended the conference disguised with a wig and mask, using a voice augmenter, and under the name of Dr. H. Anonymous. Fryer risked his career and safety for the sake of q***r activism, stating, “I am a homosexual. I am a psychiatrist.” Though homosexuality was not completely removed from the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders until 2013, Fryer’s act of bravery and advocacy led to the reevaluation of homosexuality and sparked change across decades for the LGBTQ + community.
2️⃣Dr. Margaret “Mom” Chung
Chung was the first American-born Chinese female physician, making strides in various disciplines, working as a railroad hospital surgeon, as a plastic surgeon to Hollywood celebrities, and opening an OB-GYN practice and a hospital in San Francisco’s Chinatown. She gained her nickname of “Mom” as she adopted many of her patients, creating a surrogate family of hundreds known as her “sons.”
During WWII, Chung was rejected after enlisting due to her gender. She lobbied Congress in 1941, and her advocacy led to the creation of W.A.V.E.S. (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), a branch of the Navy for women. Chung, however, was again rejected, likely due to her sexuality and ethnicity. She expressed masculine gender leanings, going by the name “Mike” as a medical student and dressing in masculine clothing. Chung also had romantic relationships with women throughout her life.
There are many more LGBTQ+ healthcare heroes who've contributed to medical milestones. We hope you will continue researching these individuals and their impact!
