NYAM Disavows 1964 Report

Dear Fellows, Members, Colleagues and Supporters,

NYAM is honored to be entrusted with your membership, partnership, and financial support and as a result, we must be accountable for our actions—and also for our inactions throughout our history. In my role as President, I have taken seriously the responsibility to call out injustices in our past actions and to “right the wrongs” when possible that have occurred in NYAM’s history since 1847.

As we celebrate our 175th anniversary this year, we are so proud to highlight important milestones in our past that have elevated the health of the public and improved life for residents of New York City and beyond. But we have also made errors in judgement, action and inaction when looked at through our modern-day lens. When they come to light, these moments in our history that are inconsistent with our mission to promote equity must be accounted for as well.

One important example is a 1964 article that the Academy published in the organization’s Bulletin entitled “Homosexuality. A Report by the Committee on Public Health.” ^[1] Although the report may have reflected the prevailing attitudes of the day, we are standing up today to publicly disavow the report’s conclusions. And to apologize on behalf of our organization.

This report is not easy to read. In addition to stating the Academy’s unsubstantiated position that homosexuality was a treatable illness, the language used in the report devalues the gay community and is hurtful. The report received condemnation at the time by gay and lesbian leaders and advocates, and up to a decade later the Academy was implored to address the report. Requests to NYAM went unanswered.  

The report was incorrect and perpetuated views that were not supported by science, and we recognize that NYAM’s inaction on addressing its content is shameful. It has taken us since 1964 to publicly acknowledge this report and we apologize for the hurt that this report, and our silence, has inflicted on the LGBTQIA+ community.

As an organization dedicated to advancing equity, it is critically important that we also continue to acknowledge and address our history and our shortcomings. We reaffirm our commitment to this process, and will continue to listen, learn and grow as an organization so we can better lead and advocate for equity. 

In the spirit of inclusion, acceptance and in celebration, we wish everyone a wonderful Pride Month.

Sincerely,

Judith A.Salerno, MD, MS President

[1] “Homosexuality: A Report by the Committee of Public Health, The New York Academy of Medicine,” Bulletin of The New York Academy of Medicine 40(7) (July 1964): 576–80.

[2] “The Academy’s 1964 Report on Homosexuality,” Books, Health and History, The New York Academy of Medicine Library Blog, (June 9, 2022)