Philadelphia Lacan Study Group

Freud’s “Young Homosexual Woman”

“A beautiful and clever girl of eighteen, belonging to a family of good standing, had aroused displeasure and concern in her parents by the devoted adoration with which she pursued a certain ‘society lady’ who was about ten years older than herself” (Freud, 1920, p. 147). So begins Sidonie’s analysis with Freud.
Her father brought her to see him with the hope that Freud could “fix” his daughter’s state of mind, after a serious suicide attempt. It must have been an end-of-the-rope decision for the father who did not hold psychoanalysis in high esteem. Freud never gave a name to his “Young Homosexual Woman,” as she became known, unlike all his other female patients. He published the case in 1920, twenty years after her analysis ended. This case provides a great opportunity to think through what psychoanalysis has to say about femininity, homosexuality, and technique.

We will start with a reading and a discussion of Freud’s case. Then we will move on to Lacan’s perspective, followed by other texts on the case. Chances are that we will encounter Lacan’s formula of sexuation! All attendees are encouraged to recommend additional reading material and to actively participate in this year-long seminar. The discussion of this case will include clinical conversations, and case presentations.

Location: Webex / On-line only
Contact Cécile McKenna drcecilemckenna@gmail.com for reading list or check her website
www.drcecilemckenna.com