The turbulent evolution of homosexuality: From mental illness to sexual preference

Abstract

This article will present a brief overview of the history of homosexuality. First, homosexuality was seen as a sin and the emergence of psychiatry turned it into a mental illness. Two important theories of Krafft-Ebing and Freud will be discussed in relation to this medicalization of homosexuality. The article will then focus on the turbulent events leading to the removal of homosexuality from the DSM in 1973. The reasons and motives for this removal, as seen by a number of different psychologists, will be discussed, as will its impact. The elimination of homosexuality was seen as a victory, but did it change the general attitude towards gay men and women? In the final section of the paper, a possible similar evolution of acceptance of pedophilia will also be discussed.