In Memoriam: Betty Berzon

I was saddened to hear about the death of Dr. Betty Berzon, a legendary, lesbian pyschotherapist who had dedicated her professional life to uplifting the lives her lesbian and gay community.

I first encountered her in 1988 when I purchased Permanent Partners: Building Gay & Lesbian Relationships that Last. Even though I wasn't in a relationship at the time, I was preparing myself for such an eventuality (always the optimist!). Her insightful book was a joy to read, especially knowing that she was a lesbian and in a long-term relationship. She wrote about issues that actually transcended permanent partnerships - her insights were helpful in navigating the everyday life of a gay person, in communicating effectively, addressing power and control issues, fighting constructively and fairly and how change affected all of our lives.

In 1996, a friend recommended her book Setting Them Straight: You CAN Do Something About Bigotry and Homophobia in Your Life.

She reflected on the dilemma that I certainly ran into as I tried to live an Out and honest life as a gay man and fighting homophobia; how to confront homophobes or people who are simply ignorant about gay people while fearful for ones safety and security. It is not always easy to stand up to a person and let them know that what they have said or done is harmful or hurtful or bigoted. Dr. Berzon discussed strategies on how to get past the fear and knowing what and how to respond when the opportunity arose.

Betty Berzon is survived by her partner of 33 years, Teresa DeCrescenzo.