Adrienne J. Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1934 |
| Died | August 19, 1992(1992-08-19) (aged 57–58) |
| Occupation | Psychologist |
Adrienne J. Smith (1934–1992) was an Americanpsychologist. She came out as a lesbian in 1973 and became one of the first openly out lesbian psychologists in theAmerican Psychological Association (APA). She worked for reforms in the APA and spoke onLGBT rights across the country.
Smith was born in 1934 and grew up in Chicago.[1] Her family was Jewish, but not very religious.[2] She attended theUniversity of Illinois and later earned her doctorate at theUniversity of Chicago.[1] She had her private practice in Chicago and was one of the only options for therapy for many in theLGBT community.[1]
Smithcame out on television in 1973 onThe David Susskind Show.[3] She was one of the first psychologists in theAmerican Psychological Association (APA) to live as an out lesbian.[3] Her work with the APA helped stophomophobia in the organization.[1] She was a leader in the APA Division 44, the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian and Gay Issues and served a term as president.[1]
Smith was co-founder of the Woman's Institute in Chicago.[4] She was an advocate for LGBT issues and rights in Chicago and across the country.[1] She also spoke toChicago City Council and theIllinois House of Representatives about LGBT issues.[1] Smith was a co-author ofLesbians at Mid-Life: The Creative Transition.[3][5]
Smith was inducted into theChicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1991.[3] She died on August 10, 1992, at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center.[3]
