Watch Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. Evelyn Hooker

Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. Evelyn Hooker is a documentary film based on the life and work of Dr. Evelyn Hooker, an American psychologist and activist who played a pivotal role in the LGBTQ rights movement. Directed by David Haugland and produced by Kate Logan and Sara Feldmann Sheehan, the film was released in 1992. Dr. Hooker was a pioneer in the field of psychology, particularly in the study of homosexuality. In the 1950s, when homosexuality was considered a mental illness, Dr. Hooker challenged this notion and conducted groundbreaking research that showed no significant difference in mental health between gay and straight men.

The film chronicles Dr. Hooker's life, from her childhood in Nebraska to her career as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It includes interviews with Dr. Hooker herself, as well as her colleagues and friends, including Chuck Rowland and Patrick Stewart.

Through archival footage and personal anecdotes, the film shows how Dr. Hooker's work started a conversation about homosexuality in the medical and scientific communities. Her research was the basis for a brief filed in the Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas, which overturned sodomy laws in the United States.

The film also touches on Dr. Hooker's personal life, including her struggle with mental health issues and her long-term relationship with fellow psychologist Dr. Sam From. Through it all, she remained dedicated to her work and never wavered in her belief that homosexuality was not a mental illness.

Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. Evelyn Hooker is a powerful documentary that sheds light on an important and under-recognized figure in the LGBTQ rights movement. It celebrates Dr. Hooker's contribution to the field of psychology and her impact on the fight for queer liberation.

Overall, the film is a moving portrait of a remarkable woman who changed the course of history through her dedication to science and social justice. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of LGBTQ rights and the struggle for acceptance and equality.

Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. Evelyn Hooker is a 1992 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.