A Psychoanalytic Account for Lesbianism

Abstract

Diane Hamer's impressive article 'Significant others' (1990) is one ofthe rare attempts I have come across to assess lesbianism in analytical theory without pathologizing it. Her assumption that analysis does not necessarily have to categorize lesbianism in terms of illness seems to me a valid way to rethink lesbianism in psychoanalytical terms. Such an approach could do the same for lesbian relations as for heterosexual ones; it could allow a better understanding of psychic relations and lift the restrictions that have hampered our thought. Unfortunately, analysis has often been misused in a different way, namely to pathologize, destroy and marginalize lesbian love. Diane Hamer managed to use analytical theory for a positive understanding of lesbian life. However, I still cannot quite agree with the assessment of lesbianism she prescribes. So I will try to elaborate my own thoughts on the subject. As I believe that the point from which somebody writes should be disclosed as far as possible, here is my account: I am a German woman and bisexual, however vague this term may be. My love with a woman has predominated in my life far more than any heterosexual relation but I have only limited experience with the social role of a lesbian, be it inside or outside lesbian circles. I have been in analysis and although it changed my attitude within the lesbian relationship it didn't turn me into a rigid straight. However, I do not use the word 'we' in this article but I hope that this does not deter the lesbian reader who would identify in this way.