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Voyage from Lesbos
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Voyage from Lesbos front cover
by Richard C. Robertiello, M.D.
Published in 1959 by Avon Books
Voyage from Lesbos is the case study of the “treatment” of a lesbian identified only as Connie as related by psychiatrist Richard Robertiello, M.D.
The book begins with a brief introduction to Connie. We learn that she works as a secretary, is attractive despite the fact that she’s slightly overweight, is able to discuss her homosexuality frankly, and is the submissive partner in her relationships.
A classical practician of psychoanalysis, Dr. Robertiello spends most of his time with Connie analyzing her childhood and dreams to help “cure” her of her homosexuality. As Robertiello reveals more about Connie, we “learn” the source of her inability to sexually relate to men stems from her the classic oedipal complex and her competitive relationship with her mother. Connie also seems to suffer from the belief that her genitals are dirty and that no decent man would want her.
Most frightening to me are the references to Connie’s depression. Depression is a legitimate and often debilitating mental illness. Sadly for Connie the person she entrusted to help her with her problems doesn’t recognize that depression is the illness she suffers from and needs the most help with, instead he views the depression as a natural symptom of her “real” illness: homosexuality.
If I didn’t know that this book dates from the 50s and that Robertiello’s other books were mainstream psychological discussion, I would have assumed this to be satire of Freudian psychology. But if it were satire, it would be too over the top to have the subtle edge of credibility that good satire demands. Telling you that by the book’s end Robertiello claims to have successfully “cured” Connie of her homosexuality won’t ruin the book, but it might ruin the sense of comfort that you have with the then current state of medical knowledge. As disconcerting as Robertiello’s opinions are, realizing that his opinions were considered to be fairly mainstream until about 30 years ago gives one pause. More frightening is that even today many people (not just the extreme lunatic fringe) still believe that homosexuality is a disease in need of a cure.
I couldn’t help but wonder what became of Connie after her treatment from Robertiello. Was she really “cured” of her homosexuality? Did she learn to embrace her lesbianism? While I don’t believe for a moment that such a “cure” is possible or desirable, it certainly is possible someone might have denied their sexuality for the rest of their life. But at what cost? And what of others who, like Connie, were victimized not only by the real fear of coming out of the closet but by the professional psychological community that told them their sexuality was a mental illness? Luckily we’re now able to hear some of their stories, but nothing will make up what was taken from them.
Tom of Finland
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Tom of Finland front cover
By F. Valentine Hooven III
Published in 1993 by St. Martin’s Press
Recently I was talking to a leatherman. I call him a leatherman not because was he dressed in leather, but because he embodied that perfect combination of humble confidence and grace. He was, in may ways, the personification of an idealized leatherman. Atop his head was an amazing leather hat which perfectly framed his countenance and vice versa. As I complimented his hat, I mentioned that it made him look like he had stopped off the page of one of Tom of Finland’s drawings. He responded thoughtfully, “we all look like that on the inside.” It was a comment immense in both its beauty and insight.
If you only recently came out from under a rock and are completely unfamiliar with Tom of Finland’s work, he was, and still is, the best and most famous artist of gay erotica. His work is known for his highly stylized depictions of flawless hyper-masculine figures such as laborers, cops, and, obviously enough, leathermen.
Hooven’s biography traces Tom of Finland’s life beginning with his childhood in rural Finland to his death. I don’t know much about the background of this book’s author other than that his name shows up as the author of a book devoted to Beefcake magazines of the 50s through 70s. Were I more motivated, I might seek him out and find out more about him. Regardless, Hooven’s prose is reminiscent of the Weekly Reader. In some ways that easy writing style makes the book light and easy to read. In others, it makes the makes the book, and by extension, its subject seem a bit lightweight.
One of the book’s surprising highlights was the Tom of Finland’s service during World War II. I never really considered Finland’s participation in the war and the war’s affect on Finland before reading the book. While I don’t know enough about gay sexual expression during the war to accept or reject the veracity of Hooven’s descriptions of clandestine gay sexual encounters during the war, they were both plausible and compelling. The rest of the book traces Tom of Finland’s career as an artist from his work as a graphic illustrators to his transformation as a fulltime erotic artist, finally culminating in Tom of Finland’s recognition as an outstanding painter.
Though Hooven discusses Tom of Finland’s career as an advertising illustrator, a more detailed description of his advertising work would give the reader a broader picture of Tom of Finland’s artistic influences and background. Another detail of Tom of Finland’s life that seemed to merit more discussion was his relationship with his long term partner Veli. Despite being portrayed as a protective confidante when Tom is taken advantage of in his business dealings, Hooven depicts Veli as little more than a minor character in Tom of Finland’s life. Providing a more complete picture of who Tom’s life partner is and how he interacted with Tom would provide a greater insight into both Tom and his works.
Hooven also declines (fails?) to discuss Tom of Finland’s family. One wonders if he were out to them and, if so, how they reacted to his sexuality. Also, were they aware of his art and success? If so, were they proud or ashamed? If Hooven knows, he doesn’t tell the reader.
Even with these minor omissions, Hooven’s work provides a fine insight into the life and work of Tom of Finland and anyone interested in erotic artists, BDSM history, or gay and/or leather iconography will enjoy this book.