eanne Hoff, a revered figure in the field of transgender psychiatry, passed away at her home in San Francisco. Born in 1938 in St. Louis to a working-class family, Hoff’s journey in psychiatry began with a master’s degree from Yale and a medical degree from Columbia University. Her education continued in London and at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Hoff’s professional life was groundbreaking. In 1976, while transitioning herself, she took over the New York practice of Dr. Harry Benjamin, a key figure in the study of gender identity. Hoff’s approach was revolutionary; she was among the first openly transgender psychiatrists treating trans patients. Her patients included notable figures like punk rock singer Jayne County.
Hoff’s impact extended beyond her clinic. She was featured in the 1978 NBC documentary “Becoming Jeanne: A Search for Sexual Identity,” which explored her gender-confirmation surgery. Colleagues and friends remembered her as a person of deep seriousness, warmth, and humor. She challenged traditional psychiatric norms, advocating the independence of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Her work was a beacon of hope and understanding in a time of widespread ignorance and prejudice. Rev. Bernárd Lynch, who knew Hoff through the Catholic LGBTQ+ group Dignity/New York, recalled her fierce courage and inspiring integrity in an often hostile environment.
Dr. Jeanne Hoff’s legacy is a testament to her profound empathy and commitment to the well-being of the transgender community. Her pioneering work laid the groundwork for a more inclusive understanding of gender and mental health, making her a true icon in the field.
