FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING

19 5 6 MIDWINTER INSTITUTE

ONE's Fourth Annual Meeting, January 27, 1956, reported successful launching of the first book, "Game of Fools," plans for a second (see opposite page); healthy growth for paid subscriptions; some setbacks with newsstand distribution; problems of rising expenses and a 5.8% drop in receipts during the year; election of a new Corporation member; Officers: Ann Carll Reid, Chairman; Don Slater, Vice Chairman; William Lambert, SecretaryTreasurer.

The Midwinter Institute, January 28, topic: "The New Look In America Since 1950, opened with outline (by Lyn Pedersen, chairman for morning) of scientific, social and literary trends which had prepared the way for current changes and brief account of "Knights of the Clock," organized in Los Angeles, one of the two predecessors of present-day organizations directly concerned with the homosexual question.

A paper on the other, "The Mattachine Foundation," by Henry Hay, one of its Founders, described the Mattachine spirit as springing from roots in the Middle Ages, when the Mattachines, bands of male and female homosexuals, toured southern Europe as mimes and jesters, who entertained while yet telling truths others dared not voice.

Remainder of the morning was conducted by the Mattachine Society (incorporated in 1953, upon the dissolution of the Foundation). Speech of Ken Burns, Chairman, was read by Dale Olsen, Secretary. Mr. Burns said, "Our guiding principle was evolution, not revolution....we do not advocate a homosexual culture of community, and we believe none exists. (We) have advocated a change in laws dealing with homosexual offenses... (and conduct) informal public discussion groups." A salute to ONE was presented in printed form following Mattachine Review format.

In afternoon, Dr. Blanche M. Baker, San Francisco psychiatrist, gave stimulating assessment of "Quatrefoil," as novel presenting positive aspects of homosexuality, and "Homosexual in America," as valuable source book.

"National Association for Sexual Research, "Los Angeles, was described by its President, G. S. Potter, as including: research (especially into "analytic methods currently used in sexual psychology); public relations; legal, with monthly lectures "by various attorneys and educators....24 hour telephone service for those who require legal counsel; "legislative, with recommendations for statutory changes as, "one of the most important objectives of NASR."

ONE's own presentation included: Education need for fullfledged educational institution to study all aspects of homosexuality start of classes this year; Publications, by Don Slater, giving important part women occupy with ONE, introducing several women staff members, paper by women's editor; also introduction of officers of newly founded lesbian group in San Francisco; Research emphasized need for "pure research" in the field; Social Service, Charles Rowland, gave figures on job placement cases, Group therapy sessions held, and contacts with outside agencies. Retiring Chairman, William Lambert, closed by citing remarkable changes since 1950: four organizations now active in the field and two magazines being published. Saturday evening ONE held open house for visitors to the Institute.

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