In this volume Udo Rauchfleisch puts forth a developmental theory of "normal homosexuality." He describes in great detail and with great sensitivity for the feelings of all persons involved the steps involved in the unfolding of ones own lifestyle and family life, the difficulties and emotional circumstances encountered in coming out as well as the specific conditions surrounding work, aging and death. He also discusses the development of gay men, lesbians and bisexual persons, in particular their situation and environment with respect to AIDS, psychotherapy and religion. The author does away with numerous social prejudices about homosexuals and analyses the fears and psychodynamics of persons who tend to disparage and persecute people who think or live differently. He also highlights various examples of discrimination found in films, literature, the job situation and psychoanalysis as well the causes thereof, which have left and still leave a negative imprint on society.

Prof. emer. Dr. rer. nat. Udo Rauchfleisch, Diplom-Psychologe, Fachpsychologe (FSP/SVKP), Psychoanalytiker (DPG, DGPT), lehrte Klinische Psychologie an der Universität Basel und ist als Psychotherapeut in privater Praxis tätig.