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Illuminating a hidden history

The Santa Fe New Mexican - 6/17/2022

Jun. 17—Less than a generation ago, the American psychiatry field still classified homosexuality as a mental illness, treating the "disease" via draconian methods such as electric shock therapy, chemical castration, and institutionalization. A screening of Cured, a documentary about how that designation finally was lifted, and a corresponding Q&A are set for Tuesday, June 21.

The film tells the story of John Fryer, who testified in 1972 before the American Psychiatric Association that homosexuality was not a mental disorder, prompting the group to declassify it as such a year later. Fryer wore a mask and had his voice disguised during his testimony to avoid risking the loss of his license, as most states didn't license gay psychiatrists.

The screening is part of LGBT Pride Month, which culminates in Santa Fe Pride on June 25 with Pride on the Plaza from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a parade at 11:30 a.m. starting in the PERA Building parking lot. Cured director Bennett Singer and Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm Lazin will field questions following Tuesday's film screening. — 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, Jean Cocteau Cinema, 418 Montezuma Ave., $15

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