Marxist-Leninist vs. Reich on LGBTQ+ Issues

A Comparative Analysis of Historical Leftist Perspectives

This document examines the differing perspectives within orthodox leftist thought regarding LGBTQ+ identities. Specifically, it contrasts the historical Marxist-Leninist position with the theories of Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian psychoanalyst who sought to integrate Marxism with Freudian psychology.

Aspect	Orthodox Marxist-Leninist View (Historically)	Wilhelm Reich's View
Core Argument	LGBTQ+ identities are a form of "bourgeois degeneracy" harmful to the collective effort of building a socialist state.	Sexual repression creates authoritarian personalities; sexual liberation is essential for political liberation from capitalism and fascism.
Relationship to Capitalism	Sees homosexuality as a product of the decadent, exploitative capitalist society.	Argues that capitalism, through the patriarchal family, enforces sexual repression to create subservient citizens.
Political Consequence	Justified the recriminalization of homosexuality (e.g., Soviet Union in 1934) and promotion of the nuclear family to increase the workforce.	Posits that repressed individuals are more susceptible to authoritarian and fascist ideologies.

The Orthodox Marxist-Leninist Position

The historical stance of many orthodox Marxist-Leninist parties, particularly under Stalin's leadership, was explicitly hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. This was a reversal of the initial progress made after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, which had decriminalized homosexuality.

The "Bourgeois Degeneracy" Thesis

The shift in the 1930s was justified by figures like writer Maxim Gorky, who declared, "Destroy the homosexuals—Fascism will disappear," falsely linking homosexuality with fascism and capitalist decay.

Materialist Justification

This policy shift had a material basis. The Soviet Union needed rapid industrialization and a larger population. This required a focus on procreation, leading to the promotion of the nuclear family, enforced heterosexuality, and the reversal of earlier sexual freedoms. The official view became that challenges to traditional gender norms and the family unit were a threat to the state's economic and military goals.

It is crucial to note that this hostile view is not inherent to all Marxist thought. Early socialist thinkers like Charles Fourier argued for the acceptance of all sexual expressions, and the German Marxist August Bebel, despite personal reservations, was a pioneer in publicly supporting the decriminalization of homosexuality.

Wilhelm Reich's Argument

Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian psychoanalyst and former member of the Communist Party, developed a unique theory that directly challenged the orthodox position. He sought to integrate Marxism with psychoanalysis.

Roots of Authoritarianism

Reich argued in his book The Mass Psychology of Fascism that the core of fascist ideology is rooted in the authoritarian, patriarchal family structure. In this structure, the economic dependency of the wife and children on the father creates a model for submission to state authority.

Sexual Repression as a Tool

He believed that sexual repression was a key mechanism in this process. By creating internal conflicts and inhibiting natural desires, sexual repression produces individuals who are anxious, obedient, and susceptible to authoritarian leadership. He stated that "sexually awakened women, affirmed and recognized as such, would mean a complete collapse of the authoritarian ideology".

Conflict with Orthodox Communism

Reich's views put him at odds with both the psychoanalytic establishment and the Communist Party. The German Communist Party found his focus on sexual liberation unacceptable, and Soviet ideology under Stalin was moving in the opposite direction, toward social conservatism. Reich was eventually expelled from the Communist Party.

How to Explore Further

To deepen your understanding, you could consider the following approaches:

Read Primary Sources: Engaging directly with Reich's The Mass Psychology of Fascism or historical Soviet documents would give you the most nuanced understanding of their arguments.

Examine Modern Perspectives: Investigate the current platforms of various communist and socialist parties worldwide, as many contemporary groups have adopted pro-LGBTQ+ positions, representing a significant evolution from earlier orthodox stances.

This analysis clarifies the distinct and often conflicting arguments within the orthodox left regarding LGBTQ+ identities.

Note: This is a historical overview and does not represent all contemporary leftist perspectives on these issues.