A Sick Society?

The discussion was then opened to questions from the audience. The first question was "How can we cure homosexuality?" Dr. Kapschan answered with this question, "Is it not possible that instead of sick homosexuals, we have a sick society?" Dr. Marquit added that we must have a wider acceptance of homosexuals. "In other words," he said, "your sex life is your own business." Heredity, Hormones and Hounds

To the question "Is homosexuality predominently environmental?" Dr. Maiquit replied, "Yes, and to our knowledge. hormone treatment has not proved satisfactory." "Do not all individuals have both male and female characteristics?" was asked, and Dr. Kapschan answered that it was a waste of time to argue. heredity versus environment, that tendencies were only potential and had to be developed. When asked why we don't do away with our out-dated laws, Mayor Aronovitz answered that we cannot do away with hatred by having a law against it. Dr. Kapschan added that there would be great objection from religion and business. "Also," he said, "there must be a tremendous amount of research, and a change in minds. Michigan is making a study of the possibility of changing laws."

A Mule is Not a Horse

Another question concerning a cure for homosexuality brought this response from Dr. Marquit, "The most important factor is that the person wants to be. cured. Please remember that homosexuality is only one aspect of an individual." Dr. Kapschan added that if a person does not want to change, we can aid him very little. He said that the problem dealt with getting the panic homosexual to accept himself, and that we must realize that there is no cure for the confirmed homosexual.

Fifty-Two Is Still a Deck

Then Mayor Aronovitz asked, I would like to know if there are any individuals who have had the glorious experience of normal sexual relations who prefer homosexual relations?" "I'm

sorry to disappoint the Mayor," answered Dr. Marquit, "but it has been proven that a large percentage of confirmed homosexuals have experienced 'glorious' heterosexual relations." Then it was askea "If these people are to be driven from the bars, beaches, and other gathering. places, where would you have them spend their leisure time?" Mayor Aronovitz answered that if society accepted this, it should not be persecuted.

Scepters into Swords

To the question "Is prejudice against homosexuality related to intolerance?" Dr. Kapschan answered, "Yes, research has proven that prejudice is generally. against a number of minority groups, not just homsexuality. The authoritarian personality that condemns persons for their homosexual behavior is much more of a threat to society than the homosexual himself. They are psychoneurotics who need psychiatric treatment, not the harmless homosexual who varies from the so-called normal, criticized only in so far as what he does in bed. Prejudice against the homosexual makes an especially good scapegoat for the authoritarian personality."

The forum was brought to a close after the two hour discussion amidst a forest of raised arms, and would undoubtedly have gone on indefinitely. This lively interest in the homosexual and his problems is encouraging. We hope this review will lead to more stimulated discussions by qualified people, sponsored by churches and other civic-minded groups.

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