Richard Isay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard A Isay
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | Richard Alexander Isay December 13, 1934 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 28, 2012 (aged 77) New York, New York |
| Resting place | Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York |
| Occupation | Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst, Author, Gay Activist |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Gay Male Psychology |
| Spouse | Gordon Harrell |
| Children | David Isay, Joshua Isay |
Richard A. Isay (born December 13, 1934 – died June 28, 2012) was an American doctor who studied the mind (a psychiatrist). He was also a psychoanalyst, a writer, and an activist who worked for the rights of gay people. He taught psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and was part of the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.
Contents
About Richard Isay
Richard Isay grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He went to Haverford College and then studied medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. After finishing his training at Yale University, he became a psychoanalyst.
His Important Work
Throughout his life, Dr. Isay helped many people in his private practice. He was also a very important teacher and mentor to other doctors. He held big roles in major mental health groups, like the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) and the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Isay made history by becoming the first openly gay member of the American Psychoanalytic Association. He worked hard to make these organizations more welcoming and fair for everyone.
In 1997, thanks to his efforts, the APsaA became the first national mental health group to support equal marriage rights for all people. This was a huge step forward for fairness and acceptance.
Public Appearances and Recognition
Dr. Isay was a well-known expert. He appeared on popular TV shows like Larry King Live, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and 20/20.
In 1993, he was featured in a documentary called "America Undercover: Why am I Gay? Stories of Coming Out in America." In 1995, he was also included in a book titled Gay Soul: Finding the Heart of Gay Spirit and Nature.
On August 13, 2011, Dr. Isay married Gordon Harrell. They had been partners for 32 years.
He received the special Hans W. Loewald award on November 12, 2011. This award recognized his important contributions to understanding the human mind.
Richard Isay passed away on June 28, 2012. He was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
Education and Training
- Haverford College: Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) from 1952-1956
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry: Doctor of Medicine (MD) from 1957-1961
- Yale University, Department of Psychiatry: Psychiatry training from 1962-1965
- Western New England Institute for Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis training from 1968-1973
Awards and Honors
- Phi Beta Kappa, 1956 (a very old and respected honor society)
- Fellow, American Psychiatric Association, 1979 (a high honor for psychiatrists)
- Gay and Lesbian Analysts Award: For outstanding contributions to psychoanalysis (New York City, 1996)
- Best Psychology Book: For his book Becoming Gay (1996)
- Winfield Scott Award: For his selfless work in health care, education, and activism for the gay and lesbian community (1998)
- AGLP Distinguished Service Award: For his pioneering work against unfair views in the psychoanalytic community and his writings on self-acceptance (2000)
- Callen-Lourde Community Health Provider Award (2005)
- Hans W. Loewald Memorial Award: For his original and important ideas in psychoanalysis (2011)
