Constructing the Heterosexual, Homosexual, Bisexual System, by Jonathan Ned Katz

This feature explores the human production of the terms and concepts "heterosexual," "homosexual," and "bisexual," which are presented here as evidence of the construction of a historically specific social order or regime. This is the social-historical institution or system that divides people, identities, desires, acts, relationships, and groups into heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual with profound subjective, objective, psychological, social consequences. The chronology includes scholarly works dating to the 1980s, when historians began to develop what is now called "critical heterosexual history," analysis that interrogates the historically specific discourses and institutions that comprise the hetero, homo, bi system. First published on OutHistory in 2014. Last edit: April 15, 2021.

1948, January: Edmund Bergler, "heterosexual relationships"

Psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler writes:

The amount of conflict, of jealousy, for instance, between homosexuals surpasses everything known even in bad heterosexual relationships."

Discussing "The 'Bisexuals'" Bergler says:

Some homosexuals are seemingly "bisexual" - that is to say, slight remnants of heterosexuality can be detected. These remnants guarantee, for some time, erective potency in a lustless coitus. Nobody can dance at two weddings at the same time, not even the wizard of a homosexual. Equal distribution of libidinous drives between homo- and heterosexuality does not exist, simply because homosexuality is not a drive but a defense mechanism. The so-called "bisexuals" are in reality homosexuals with a slight admixture of potency with unloved women. Frequently they belong in Group 5, the "lesser crimes" type.

Discussing the "STABILITY OF HETEROSEXUALITY - INNER WISH OR CONCESSION TO SOCIETY?" Bergler says:

As far as homosexuals remaining together for any length of time, their quarrels - especially in.jealousy - surpass everything that occurs even in the worst heterosexual relationship: They simply act out the mechanism of "injustice collecting."

NOTE
Edmund Bergler, "The Myth of a New National Disease: Homosexuality and the Kinsey Report," in: Psychiatric Quarterly, Vol. 22 (January 1948), pp. 66-88. Accessed on April 27, 2016 from: http://www.well.com/~aquarius/bergler.htm