Psychoanalytic theory and affirmation of the gay lifestyle: are they necessarily antithetical?

This article explores a conflict between the American psychoanalytic community and the American gay community which has played itself out in this country's mental health system for most of this century. The roots of the conflict are traced back to the American conception of diagnosis, as well as a lack of adequate developmental studies focused on the nature of homosexuality. The current psychoanalytic stance is presented as inimical to the stance Freud took, and an exploration of ways to ameliorate the conflict between American psychoanalytic thought and affirmation of homosexuality as an alternative healthy lifestyle is undertaken.