March 1979
Volume 4
from West Germany
PSYCHIATRIC PROBLEMS HELD NOT
INHERENT IN HOMOSEXUAL LIFE
Aachen-“After examining earlier
studies of homosexuals and studying
a group of stable homosexual couple^.
Dr. Bernd C. Faude, a psychiatrist
at Rhine-Westphalian Technical Col
lege here, has concluded that the
psychiatric problems of homosexuals
are not inherent in their sexual
preference.
"Homosexuality is no more ^perverse'
than heterosexuality as long as the
homosexual relationship is partner-
oriented and serves the psychic
development of the two people in
volved," Dr. Faude contends.
In previous studies of homosexuals,
subjects were selected from patients
seeking therapy because of their
homosexuality, from prison inmates,
from persons committed to asylums
for homosexuality, or to subscribers
to pornographic magazines aimed at
homosexuals. This had biased the
results, the Aachen psychiatrist
said.
However, Dr, Faude’s own study
group consisted of four male homo
sexual couples and one lesbian
couple, all of whom had been together
for more than two years, had not
sought any psychiatric treatment, had
families that they were still close
to and who were aware of their homo
sexual relationships, and who were
apparently stable and well-adjusted.
Psychological tests did not reveal
neurosis, inhibition, or other dis
turbances in the subjects. Almost
all of these individuals belonged
to the middle- or upper-middle class,
were successful in their professional
careers, and—with one exception-
described their parents’ homes as
intact. All had experienced a " happy
childhood and adolescence," and none
had been "seduced into homosexuality.
,, Number
The investigator found no evidence
that one member of the couple adopted
a female role and the other a ^»ore
sterotypic male role. And, con ra y
to another prevalent view, none of
these individuals had an overbearing
mother and a weak father. Further,
none felt any problems dealing with
members of the opposite sex.
(by Internationa] Hospital Tribune
Syndicate; reprinted from Med Ical^
News and International Report, March
5, 1979.1^
NOTE OF THANKS
The January issue of Lambda
marked the end of Stuart Wells'
services as editor. The members
of CGA and the Lambda readers wish
to recognize the outstanding con
tributions Stuart Wells has made
to Lambda and the gay community.
Under Stuart's capable leadership.
Lambda has evolved into a newsletter
of high journalistic quality. Through
the efforts of Stuart and his pre
decessors, Lambda has become a vital
link in the dissemination of infor
mation on local, regional, and
national levels.
During the transition period,
Stuart's successors will be striving
to maintain and build upon these
high standards.
The March issue of Lambda is the
result of a cooperative effort of
four individuals, whose energy
and initiative is the first step
in the continuation of the Lambda
tradition.
Considerations on the long term
structure, format, and content of
Lambda was the primary focus of a
March 12 CGA meeting. We are still
requesting your input, whether in
person or in writing, regarding
these issues. Whether you are a
first or a long term reader, your
input will be appreciated; Lambda
is what you make itl
•4
—Patty Carlisle,
CGA Chairperson