British Psychoanalytic Attitudes Towards Homosexuality

SUMMARY

This paper describes the attitudes of British Psychoanalysis toward homosexuality, starting from the time of Ernest Jones to the present day. It traces the development of psychoanalytic theory from its total pathologising of all expressions of homosexuality towards a more questioning and non-pathologising formulation. The article illustrates how changes in psychoanalytic theory and practice both mirror and are influenced by the changing legal and societal status of homosexuality in the United Kingdom. Although openly gay and lesbian candidates are beginning to be accepted into psychoanalytic training, the continued existence of antihomosexual prejudice and bias suggest an ongoing need for continuing education and concern.

KEYWORDS:

• British psychiatry
• British psychoanalysis
• gay and lesbian candidates
• homosexuality
• psychoanalytic training
• psychopathology