Evolutions of an Orientation Concerning the Nature of the Male Homosexualities

My title sets out my task—to spell out the various shifts in mental attitude and psychological understanding I have undergone in my efforts to conceptualize the nature of homosexuality, particularly in the male. Please notice that I have suggested that I think of “homosexualities,” that is a group of behaviors, not a unitary phenomenon (Stoller, 1975). I have also specified “nature of” and not “cause of.” I do not presume to make a full presentation of the matter, with a historical review of homosexuality through the ages or an anthropological or sociological survey of cultures in various parts of our present world. This is a highly personal presentation designed to encourage you to participate in my odyssey over these past 42 years as a psychiatrist.

Recent meetings of the American Psychoanalytic Association have underlined for me the diversity of opinions amongst a group of highly sophisticated experienced clinicians usually identified by nonanalysts as having a clearly defined theoretical view as to the origins of homosexuality. There is a widespread dramatically increased popular and scientific interest in homosexuality in the past decade related both to the social activities of the various gay and lesbian organizations as well as the devastating and compelling nature of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Homosexual persons in all walks of life are now more willing to identify themselves openly. This has been true in medicine, psychiatry, and in psychoanalysis. In May 1991, the American Psychoanalytic Association adopted a resolution stating that sexual orientation alone, all other factors being equal, would not be a factor in selecting a candidate for psychoanalytic training appointing him or her to a faculty of an institute.1 In May 1992, that resolution was modified to state explicitly that this includes the appointment of training and supervising psychoanalysts.2