can homosexuals

be

recognized?

Box The question of whether homosexuals can be recognized is an interesting

۲۸

and fascinating one, of great importance to the homosexual himself. But, like most aspects of the difficult and complicated problem of homosexuality, it is a question that cannot easily be answered with a curt affirmative or negative

response.

Can homosexuals be recognized? First of all, by whom? By psychiatrists or psychologists or social workers, trained in the field; by physicians whose medical degrees have given them little knowledge or acquaintance with this subject; by the man on the street, or by other homosexuals? For, is it not entirely possible that homosexuals might be able to recognize each other and still be entirely unrecognizable to people who are outside their group, including even those fairly well trained? Then we must further ask what homosexuals are being referred to. When recognition is discussed, does one mean all homosexuals, or some, or a few? Obviously enough, if one considers only the few homosexuals who are apparent to anyone, then by very definition they can be recognized. But what about the many who display no effeminate traits, characteristics, and mannerisms?

ची

Traditionally, the word "homosexual" has been associated in the mind of the public with effeminacy. Precisely because most homosexuals have been so skillful at concealing their predilections and activities, few people outside of

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