Dr. Alan Rockway
Famous BisDr. Alan Rockway was a clinical psychologist who was openly bi and used his expertise to advocate for the community. Despite the lack of attention given to his life, Dr. Alan Rockway was a leading figure in the fight for LBGT equality in the 70s and 80s. One of his accomplishments was co-founding BiPOL, the first political organization dedicated to bi individuals’ rights nationally and internationally.
In 1977, Dr. Rockway passed an ordinance in Miami-Dade County, Florida, which prohibited housing and employment discrimination against gays and lesbians. The legislation was a historic achievement for the LGBT community.
However, conservative singer and beauty queen Anita Bryant campaigned to overturn the ordinance, and it was ultimately repealed due to her efforts. In response, Dr. Rockway and his fellow activists led a national boycott of Florida orange juice to raise awareness of the fight for LGBT rights.
The boycott was effective, leading to the Citrus Commission ending its relationship with Bryant and putting a spotlight on the struggle for LGBT rights. Dr. Rockway was also successful in advocating for the passage of Florida’s privacy rights amendment, which protected LGBT people in the state from government or police interference in their private lives and consensual activities.
Dr. Rockway was a pioneer in the provision of mental health services to the LGBT community. He founded two of the first mental health programs in Miami and Berkeley, respectively, to address the community’s unique needs.
Sadly, Dr. Rockway was one of the many victims of the AIDS epidemic that ravaged the country and the LGBT community at the time. Dr. Rockway passed away in 1987.
In honor of his contributions, the Rockway Institute at Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco focuses on LGBT research and public policy.