In the older person of forty, fifty and beyond, the continuation of adolescent interests becomes ridiculous and pathetic, particularly if they comprise the entire personality; thus, the "auntie" is born.

In the youthful gay world, the older homosexual is thought an "Auntie" in his dotage of forty, fifty, or beyond. Yet this psychic myopia is the very thing which will keep the youth in psychological chains and, in turn, make him an "auntie"!

The ancient Greek man-and-boy relationships of mentor and pupil extended beyond the sexual realm it has generally been relegated to by salacious historians. As with all knowledge, the accumulation of wisdom enjoyed by the older should not only be shared with the younger, but also eagerly sought beyond the scholastic and theological fields. What may appear to be an insurmountable personal problem with the inexperienced could very well be clarified and dissipated casily by an older, trusted person.

The willingness to investigate another's viewpoint is the beginning of that maturity which contributes to personal stability. The vast majority stumble along from day to day sure of nothing but today's or tonight's— needs! Yet, this last group can achieve some direction by cultivating a dominant interest, taking thought not only for today but the tomorrows to come. The effort must be deliberate.

There is hardly anyone who does not win and keep a few trusted friends. one of whom may be or may have been a lover. The instinctive need of man for sociability is so strong that it is only the neurotic who is truly lonely to the point of psychological torture.

What, then, happens when time and years inevitably encroach upon us? Is it surprising that the answer lies in what we have built upon in our younger years? Added years will not

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affect a drastic change, unless the material is already dormant. It would be incredible for the homosexual whose life was just one gay bar after another to settle down in a monastic life, or for those who require gossipy (and envious!) chit-chat to retire to meditation or abstract study-it would be amazing to change these habits or attributes overnight. True, advancing years and physical weakness might force withdrawal from the hectic range enjoyed when younger, but the interests would remain the same.

How does age affect the older homosexual, male or female? Here are some cases I know. Their history has enough alteration of fact to avoid identification but not to distort the meaning of their way of life.

"Tim" is a man of respected authority, a school official reaching the close of a long and honorable career in a discriminating educational system. Nearly seventy, with the acuity of the collegiate, he is physically attractive and sexually potent, with the youthfulness of mind and body characteristic of many homosexuals. Tim has had many lovers in his life, most of them from without his intellectual sphere, although now his friendships are cautious and selective as he has found companions on his own level. Many of the men he has known through sexual contact have become good friends after their emotions toward each other changed, and most admit an enrichment of mind through his acquaintance. He admits of physical change but states that nothing has altered psychologically over the years, so he would not comment in detail upon any questions. His whole philosophy is in two words, "Just live."

"Arthur" is of a wholly different world. An ordinary man, he has a child's blue-eyed frankness and a heart for all humanity. He left school

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