Dear Sirs:

I fear that ONE may be publishing some material without having to do so, that discourages homosexuals or leaves them depressed. Perhaps, homosexuals should learn to take "slaps" from people with courage, but does ONE, "The Homosexual Magazine," accomplish much more than to confuse and hurt homosexuals by printing very many "slaps" against them? Albert Ellis' article "Are Homosexuals Necessarily Neurotic?" in the April 1955 issue is an example.

Dear Ones:

Mr. E.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Are we to assume that the major part of our society today is composed mainly of neurotic individuals because they are "fetishistically attached to one particular mode of sex activity?" or, to put it another way, not promiscuous? Oh-come, come, my dear doctor, what of the societal golden wedding anniversaries? (Sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal?)

And, indeed, is one to seek a "cure" for his lack of promiscuity? Never yet have I found a normal healthy love affair in search of a "cure" unless that cure were by way of sexual satisfaction with the beloved.

Of the homosexuals about whom Doctor Ellis writes,-who have sought to gain heterosexual satisfactions,-of these we can be sure that their homosexual tendencies were tendencies merely and nothing more; surely not the healthy coupling of two people in love. It is here, Doctor Ellis, where you have failed to see. You have used logic as your device and have failed to reach where logic cannot go. And because you are NOT homosexual I can understand, Doctor Ellis; it is here I have the advantage.

Miss W

DENVER, COLORADO

Dear Sirs, "Are Homosexuals Neurotic," an article by Albert Ellis, Ph.d., appearing in your April issue was, I believe, interesting and largely true. However, I feel many homosexual readers are going to think that something important was left unsaid, essentially because Dr. Ellis is speaking as a non-homosexual.

Dr. Ellis' article was clear in explaining his particular theory that all homosexuals by his definition are neurotic. However, he left unclear, in fact totally unexplained whether or not being neurotic (by the terms of his article) is to be bad, good, happy or unhappy.

I can only wish that Dr. Ellis could meet

one

and know the countless thousands of homosexuals who have attained happiness, selfrespect and socially desirable attributes. But alas, it is through his profession that he has come in contact necessarily with unhappy and often socially undesirable people.

Since my knowledge of the psychology of human behavior is limited I am very likely to be of those to accept the words of an acknowledged authority. However, how can he expect to convince those homosexuals who are content with their non-sexual pursuits or experienced fulfilled happiness in a deep emotional love attachment with someone of their own sex commensurate to a heterosexual one, that they are neurotic and hence should "run, not walk to the nearest psychiatrist."

Who can argue that a mono-sexual activity is not neurotic, but can Dr. Ellis argue that in all homo or heterosexuals it is undesirable?

This question, I believe, makes the article highly provocative and should evoke further comment from ONE and I hope from Dr. Ellis.

Mr. W.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Dear Editors:

I have been homosexual all of my life and have never run FROM anyone therefore I see no reason now to run TO someonea psychiatrist for instance. But, I'll humor Dr. Ellis-I'll RACE him to the nearest one. Then, to humor him a bit further, I'll let him win the race-he needs to get there first! After Dr. Ellis' first session on the couch, I'm sure the psychiatrist will have no time for (nor interest in) someone as little confused as I.

Miss A.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

This is to Marlin Prentiss,

re "The Feminine Viewpoint." Damn you! You said some things in April ONE that I've been wanting to say... you said some other things I'm sure I would have said, given a little more time. However, you said them probably better than I would have. I'm very glad you spoke. Your insight is sound (i.e. I agree and sense similarly)... more so, your insight is broad, and generous, and with validity.

mostly though, appreciation and respect for a good piece of writing. Selfcenteredly the more massive restraints men live under hadn't occurred to me. ONE, I believe, does teach one to reach out to other ones.

Miss C.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

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