E. Kitch Childs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
E. Kitch Childs
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| Born |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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| Alma mater | University of Chicago; University of Pittsburgh |
| Occupation | Clinical Psychologist |
| Awards | Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Private Practice, Oakland, California |
Ellen Kitch Childs (born April 11, 1937 – died January 10, 1993) was an American clinical psychologist. She was also an activist who worked hard for the rights of minority women and for people who are gay and lesbian. She was a founding member of the University of Chicago's Gay Liberation group. She was also the first African American woman to earn her doctorate degree in Human Development from the University of Chicago.
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About Her Life
Ellen Kitch Childs was born in 1937 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child in her family. Her older brothers included the famous jazz musician Kenny Clarke. As a young girl, she faced racism.
Education and Early Career
Childs earned her first degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. After that, she served in the United States Navy. She then went to graduate school at the University of Chicago. There, she earned a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Human Development in 1972. She made history as the first African American woman to get her doctorate in Human Development from that university.
Helping People Through Therapy
Childs opened her own private practice in Oakland, California. She was one of the first therapists to meet clients in their homes. She believed in a special type of therapy called feminist therapy. This approach aimed to make clients feel equal and comfortable during their sessions. She wanted to create a treatment style where everyone felt included.
Childs was also a key figure in starting the Association for Women in Psychology in 1969. She worked with other important women in psychology, like Phyllis Chesler and Dorothy Riddle.
Working for Equal Rights
Childs was a founding member of the University of Chicago's Gay Liberation group. This group worked for the rights and understanding of gay and lesbian people. She also helped start the Women's Caucus of Chicago Gay Liberation. This group was later renamed the Chicago Lesbian Liberation. She co-founded it with Vernita Gray and Michal Brody.
In 1993, Childs was honored by being inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. This award recognized her important work. She helped challenge the idea that being gay was a "psychological disorder." This idea was once listed in a major book for mental health professionals. Thanks to activists like Childs, this was changed in 1973. This change helped people understand that being gay is a normal part of human experience.
