Abstract

CORBETT, Ken. The mystery of homosexuality. J. psicanal. [online]. 2009, vol.42, n.76, pp. 159-176. ISSN 0103-5835.

Psychoanalysts have repeatedly attempted to (dis)locate homosexuals within a theory of gender that rests on essential distinctions between what is feminine and what is masculine. The best illustration of this (dis)location is the manner in which the male homosexual has been regarded as feminine. Calling gay men feminine neither sufficiently problematizes their experience of gender nor adequately captures the vicissitudes of gender. I contend that male homosexuality is a differently structured masculinity, not a simulated femininity. Though both heterosexual and homosexual men readily identify themselves as men, the gay man’s gender identity is distinguished by his experience of passivity in relation to another man. I maintain that a crucial step in the treatment of any gay man is the recognition of his early gender experience and of how that experience is knit into the fabric of his sexuality.

Keywords : Masculin; Homossexuality; Gender identity; Feminity; Masculinity; Heterossexuality.

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