APA has submitted briefs on such critical issues as the rights of people with mental disabilities, juvenile justice, competency, false confessions, eyewitness testimony and much more. APA has a long history of using psychological science to inform the courts through amicus briefs. Since then, APA is proud to have been a leader in advancing a scientific perspective to improve the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, of increasing understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity as aspects of human diversity, and of reducing stigma, prejudice, discrimination and violence toward LGBT people.ĪPA advances this work though the Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, the Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and the Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.ĪPA showcases psychology’s impact on society through an amicus brief, or “friend of the court,” program. (See links to more information about Hooker below.) Hooker's work led to significant changes in how psychology views and treats people who are gay.
Even before then, 62 years ago at APA's 1956 Annual Convention in Chicago, Evelyn Hooker, PhD, presented her ground-breaking research on "normal homosexuals," debunking the popular myth that homosexual people are inherently less mentally healthy than heterosexual people. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York City, which is regarded as the beginning of the modern LGBT rights movement.