Rethinking gender issues from a non-binary perspective: the case of Hana, a culturally defined identity

The distinction between sex and gender is still often overlooked, and transgender individuals are frequently perceived as suffering from an inherent pathology that affects their sense of self, psychological structure, or various aspects of mental functioning. This topic has sparked diverse and, at times, deeply conflicting views within the psychoanalytic community. A person's sense of identity including gender identity arises not only from Oedipal dynamics but also from transgenerational influences, which are transmitted through a network of unconscious identifications. These processes incorporate, transform, and reorganize aspects and functions into the ego. Psychoanalysts may face challenges when applying their theoretical frameworks, engaging in therapeutic relationships, and managing countertransference. Observing identity-related phenomena connected to gender—whether in transgender patients or others—provides an opportunity to revisit and enrich psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice.