DID JUNG UNDERSTAND GAY IDENTITY?

Can Jungian psychology shed light on the archetypal forces shaping gay identity?
Our guest, Robert Hopcke, examines how Jung and Jungians have regarded homosexuality both clinically and theoretically, demonstrating that within a great diversity of opinion, there exist many ways to deepen an understanding of the lives and loves of gay men and lesbians. Hopcke proposes a view of homosexuality that is archetypally based, empirically supportable, psychologically profound, and spiritually evocative.
Jungian psychology has a fresh take on integrating the shadow and the individuation process for LGBTQ+ folks. It encourages everyone to embrace their identity to achieve authenticity and wholeness. Reinterpreting Jung's anima and animus concepts challenges the traditional binary notions of gender and sexuality, leading to a more fluid and inclusive understanding of these concepts. Dreams and fantasies can help people understand themselves better, showing them the archaic strata of desires, conflicts, and potentials hidden within their psyche. By engaging with the collective unconscious and its archetypes, LGBTQ+ individuals can better grasp themselves, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the broader human experience. Jungian psychology recognizes and validates the complexity and diversity of human experiences, offering a framework that acknowledges and explores the many ways LGBTQ+ identities manifest and evolve.
Prepare to discover who was the first researcher to investigate and publish Jung’s writings on homosexuality; when Jung challenged heteronormative psychology and introduced radical ideas of femininity and masculinity; how ruthless dreams and the collective unconscious become the battlegrounds and playgrounds for individuals embracing their unique desires; what Jungian concepts empower us to explore varied expressions of love and gender to sculpt identity narratives beyond binary constraints; where Jungian psychology challenges and enriches our collective understanding of human complexity and the quest for authenticity; whether Jung's writings embrace or alienate LGBTQ+ identity formation; which aspects of Jung’s writings offer a beacon of understanding and acceptance;why Jungian thought enriches the discourse on identity beyond heteronormativity, fostering a universal narrative of integration, acceptance, and the celebration of the self in all its diverse manifestations… and so much more.
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[@sorryforthewait0711]

This episode was perfect! It cleared up many of my doubts, as a gay man. Especially the discussion about anima and animus. In my dreams, a male companion often appears, exploring places with me and charming me, but I never remember his face or the conversations we have. The women in my dreams often appear in groups when they are strangers. Or they appear as people I know.

[@NeptuneZealand]

Enlightening conversation. I loved listening to this man speak. Please have a part 2 with Robert.

[@wellwell_well]

Hear hear

[@nyartist]

this was great, WAY better than getting stuck watching the news. I found a new personal insight listening to Robert.

[@AccidentlyHero]

Very interesting conversation. From my perspective; gender in and of itself is biologically binary and that sex is the orientation (positioning) in which one must navigate the world through your biology to achieve self preservation. Which involves many factors, for instance, there are physical, social, mental, emotional and ideological desirability that contribute directly to how one might conduct themselves for the acceptance or approval of other humans within a society (individually or collectively). It seems that in western schools of thought when it comes to concept of gender and sex; is an attempt to misconstrue nature as not being a biological phenomenon and rather presents it as a performative act without observable binary identifiers. I think it’s important to approach these subjects with a leery eye from a culture of people who are known to politicize and prioritize their own understanding to turn a profit or destroy certain out-group people from functioning progressively within the their own cultural and traditional preservations.

[@peterhenley9776]

Great episode! Robert was a super fun guest, love his combination of insight and humour. It certainly accomplished the mission of making things seem even more complicated!

[@daniellekeough8095]

Thank you for this! Can’t wait to listen. Have been waiting to hear your thoughts on this topic! Hoping you also have something to say about lesbianism. If not in this episode, hopefully in another. Thank you!

[@robinriebsomer4607]

Thanks so much on this presentation of Jungian concepts and his views on homosexuality. I really appreciate the assertion that each of us needs to be true to ourselves on the bell curve of masculine-feminine. Did not Jung speak of complexity vs simplicity? And in Gestalt, people are invited to experiment with the conflict between opposing polarities by having them speak to each other.

[@jonstein6868]

What a terrific episode, thank you all! The injunction to keep the space large and the definitions open, whilst challenging, have helped me think about my own queer sexuality and feel excited rather than frightened about the next stage of my development.

[@wellwell_well]

This was hands down one of my favourite (and I have many) episodes after years of weekly listening. Loved it all around with a dash of wit and humour

[@gwendolynmurphy9563]

Love Deb's summation!

[@akerr5823]

Anyone catch who is writing a book on the non binary soul figure , Animos?

[@RobHopcke]

It’s my colleague James D. Perrin who just contracted with Routledge for the book version of his superb dissertation on the Animum, that I, Chris Downing and Doug Thomas had the privilege of being the readers for at Pacifica. So it should be out next year. Meanwhile, he’s teaching at the University of Texas at Arlington, so you can contact him there.

[@gwendolynmurphy9563]

Robert Hopcke! My new mentor-guide! Thanks for showing up in this venue. I'll check out your website etc.!

[@josephinejones9392]

Guys - well done. This, was magnetic 🧲 ⚡️discussion of nuance - humour and critique, elegantly articulated and non pathologised / tied down. Which I resonated with! Robert, you are beguiling. Wish you were my therapist… 🏹

[@gwendolynmurphy9563]

Kudos! For me, this is one of the most contemporary, "progressive" "out there" -- no pun intended -- discussion you've hosted. Innovative, visionary independent-thinking people willing to think outside the box, whatever that box is! The psyche will not be boxed in!

[@iansturgess4768]

Actually, not all gay men are having sex all the time, nor wanting to

[@advandepol7537]

It seems to me a meaningful coincidence that Robert Hopcke looks like the older brother of Joseph Lee.

[@drevnii_sound]

Very interesting perspectives on the topic. The only thing that bugged me a bit is that Mr Robert Hopcke interrupted other panelists so often in the mid sentence. Especially in the dream analysis where it wasn't about him anymore. PS: I'm aware that my reaction to it is due to the presence of same tendency in myself ;)

[@RobHopcke]

Apologies for that. It’s my East Coast Italian style, I try to keep it in check but it does get the best of me sometimes. 🙏

[@Liyah-encyclopedia333]

Very enlightening

[@gwendolynmurphy9563]

LOL "Jungian Seminary" I can relate! And I've been to seminary, Iliff School of Theology, M.T.S., 2001

[@LoveIsAll88]

I haven’t listened in yet, but I was told that they only focused in on men not as much or at all covering female homosexuality? I do look forward to listening but if that’s the case I hope they can have a follow-up discussion diving into the feminine version ❤

[@RobHopcke]

Completely agree. Christine Downing is my nomination for that topic, warm, brilliant, erudite, and just the most articulate and poetic lecturer. I could listen to her all day.

[@detodounpoco37]

Of course not, but we can take his initial insights and bring them into a new understanding. He was not gay, so he didnt understood completely.

[@Heru_Iluvatar]

48:37 Because the psyche is the source of said gender epressions, not vise versa.

[@josephinejones9392]

Robert ! Be still thy beating LGBQIA*+ heart 🌹🫀🙊🫀🌹