While researching and putting together BROADS WAY, Stephen Chen realized the treatment and characterization of homosexuals as mentally ill, pedophiles, molested as a child, etc. throughout history originated from a homophobic interpretation of Freud’s theories of infant and sexual development. These interpretations in turn formed the basis of homosexual stigmatization, punishment, and “cures” (such as Aversion therapy).
Upon digging deeper (pun intended) into Freud and his theories, Stephen found Freud did not share those interpretations of homosexuality. In fact, a 1935 letter written by Freud to a mother who sought treatment for her son’s apparent homosexuality, declared that homosexuality was neither an illness, nor a pathology. Although the letter was later passed on to Alfred Kinsey and reproduced in The American Journal of Psychiatry in 1951, homosexuality was still officially classified as a mental disorder in the APA’s (American Psychiatric Association) first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-1) in 1952.
Taking the egregious Sid Davis’ BOYS BEWARE “social guidance” film as inspiration, Stephen Chen trolls both the film and homophobes by drawing upon and extending Freud’s theories to create a hilariously plausible explanation (that is internally consistent – pun intended) of homophobia in FREUDIAN LIP – a sassy social guidance film narrated by Freud himself.
RUNNING TIME: 7’56” | DIRECTOR: [filmcvlink] | RELEASED: 17/05/17 (International Day Against Homophobia)
