This article considers the formative function of the social and individual domains on gay sexualities. The first section describes the social construction of gay identities and the dominant values and meanings attached to these by Western cultures. The second section looks at the motivational drive of erotic desire on sexual positioning and offers a reflection on homoerotic desire as it emerges in the therapeutic relationship. The two domains of erotic desire and sexual identity are related to a model of structural development, and additional parallels with other transactional analytic concepts are drawn. These are illustrated through a discussion of therapeutic work. The third section explores some consequences of these issues for therapeutic theory and practice and advocates a more radical agenda for therapists in challenging social values and practices that pathologize homoerotic desire and those who identify as gay.
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