Freud's Famous Letter to American Mother on Homosexuality

On April 9, 1935, Freud quite famously refused to treat the son of an American woman who had written to him asking for help regarding his homosexuality. He pointed out that "homosexuality is assuredly no advantage, but it is nothing to be ashamed of, no vice, no degradation; it cannot be classified as an illness." He adds that he can probably not change the orientation at this point in the young man's life. He concludes by suggesting what analysis can do: "If he is unhappy, neurotic, torn by conflicts, inhibited in his social life, analysis may bring him harmony, peace of mind, full efficiency, whether he remains a homosexual or gets changed."

The letter plus a full transcript are available here.