Charles Silverstein

Charles Silverstein (born 1935[1]) is an American writer, therapist, and gay activist. He is best known for his presentation before the American Psychiatric Association in 1973 that led to the removal of homosexuality as a mental illness from the organization’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.[2]

Biography

Silverstein is a frequent lecturer at conventions on both the state and national levels, author of eight books and many professional papers, and has received many awards from the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Foundation e.g. Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Practice of Psychology receiving it "for his 40-year career challenging the criteria of social morality as the basis for diagnosing sexual disorders. For his presentation before the American Psychiatric Association to eliminate homosexuality as a mental disorder. For his founding two counseling centers for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in order to deliver unbiased treatment, and for his founding of the Journal of Homosexuality."[3]

Silverstein earned his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 1974.[4]

His essays and professional papers have been published widely in journals and anthologies.[5] In 1977, Silverstein and Edmund White co-authored The Joy of Gay Sex, described by The Advocate as a "landmark" book that has "educated generations of gay men".[6] On the LGBTQ&A podcast in 2021, Silverstein said, "When Ed and I first sat down to talk about the book and we made a list of the entries, it was quite clear that a majority of the entries were not about sex, it was about community and it was about relating to each other. While most people think of all the dirty pictures, what we always thought our greatest contribution was, is trying to write something that we would've wanted when we were kids, and that would be something more than just sex. That would be about community."[7]

Silverstein is the founding director of the Institute for Human Identity and Identity House in New York City.[5] He is the founding editor of the Journal of Homosexuality.[5] He is a member of American Psychological Association and was made a Fellow in 1987.[8] He is also a Member of Division 44 of the APA (Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues), the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA), and the Committee on Ethical Practices of NYSPA.[8]

Works
  • The Joy of Gay Sex, co-authored with Edmund White (1977), with Felice Picano (2006)
  • A Family Matter: A Parents' Guide to Homosexuality (1977)
  • Man to Man: Gay Couples in America (1981)
  • Gays, Lesbians and Their Therapists: Studies in Psychotherapy (1991)
  • The New Joy of Gay Sex, co-authored with Felice Picano (1993)
  • The Initial Psychotherapy Interview: A Gay Man Seeks Treatment (2011)
  • For the Ferryman: A Personal History (2011)

See also

References
  1. Date information sourced from Library of Congress Authorities data, via corresponding WorldCat Identities linked authority file (LAF).
  2. "Charles Silverstein and the Declassification of Homosexuality as a Mental Illness Interview". Anti-Defamation League. Retrieved 2021-09-27.
  3. "Gold Medal Award For Life Achievement In The Practice Of Psychology: Charles Silverstein". Ebsohost. PsycARTICLES.
  4. "Background | Doctor Silverstein". Drcsilverstein.com. 2009-01-15. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  5. "Elsevier congratulates Dr. Charles Silverstein upon his receipt of 2 awards". EurekAlert!. Retrieved 2019-07-23.
  6. "The Joy of Gay Sex Author Charles Silverstein Goes Deep 40 Years Later". www.advocate.com. 2021-09-28. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  7. "LGBTQ&A: Charles Silverstein: The Joy of Gay Sex on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  8. "Why Dr. Silverstein Became Involved — Hunter College". www.hunter.cuny.edu. Retrieved 2019-07-23.
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