From Cultural Scripting to Autonomy: Influences on Lesbian Identity

Abstract

This article links postmodern deconstruction of gender categories to the cultural and intrapsychic processes involved in gender script development. Hargaden and Sills's (2001) theory of the development of self is used to discuss the intrapsychic process of lesbian identity development. Poststructuralist theorist Theresa de Lauretis (1994) is discussed in relation to the claiming of body-ego that the lesbian may be expressing. Identity issues experienced by lesbians are discussed along with possible transference issues that may arise when the therapist is perceived as lesbian. Finally, therapists are invited to review their approach to gender and sexual identity development and presentation.