Laud Humphreys

The Reverend
Laud Humphreys
Born
Robert Allan Humphreys

(1930-10-16)October 16, 1930
Chickasha, Oklahoma, US
DiedAugust 23, 1988(1988-08-23) (aged 57)
Los Angeles, California, US
Alma materColorado College | Seabury-Western Theological Seminary | Washington University in St. Louis
Occupations
  • Sociologist
  • priest
  • psychotherapist
EmployerSouthern Illinois University | State University of New York at Albany | Pitzer College
Notable workTearoom Trade (1970)
Spouse
Nancy Wallace
​
​
(m. 1960; sep. 1980)​
PartnerBrian Miller (1980–1988)
Ecclesiastical career
ReligionChristianity (Anglican)
ChurchEpiscopal Church
Ordained1955 (priest)[1]

Robert Allan Humphreys (1930–1988), known as Laud Humphreys, was an American sociologist and Episcopal priest. He is noted for his research into sexual encounters between men in public bathrooms, published as Tearoom Trade (1970) and for the questions that emerged from what was overwhelmingly considered unethical research methods.[2] He influenced generations of scholars who research issues related to sexuality and sexual identity.[3]

  1. ^ "Robert Allan Humphreys; Priest, Author". Los Angeles Times. 26 August 1988. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  2. ^ Lehmiller, Justin J. (2014). The psychology of human sexuality. Malden, MA: Wiley Blackwell. pp. 46–47. ISBN 9781118351321. OCLC 856076308.
  3. ^ Tewksbuy, Richard. (2004). "The intellectual legacy of Laud Humphreys: His impact on research and thinking about men's public sexual encounters." The International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 24(3-5): 32-57.