THE FEMININE VIEWPOINT

by and about women

APHRODITE

The German homophile magazine, DER RING (now DER NEUE RING), has had a feminine section in its pages since the April/May 1956 issue. APHRODITE, as it is called, is about the same length as our Feminine Viewpoint, but it is always in the form of a letter from Alexandria, an airline stewardess, to her friend Dagmar, who is also an airline stewardess. The letter may deal with anything Alexandria wishes to discuss with Dagmar-a novel with a lesbian theme, news of a women's organization in Israel. There is always, however, a personal touch to these discussions. The following letter is a translation of the very first APHRODITE.

A Letter Instead of a Preface

Do you remember, darling friend, that particular summer evening when we were a little bit quieter and more tired than usual but very happy? We came to a cafe on the beach, and with a sense of great relaxation fell into the chairs. Do you still remember? We had spent the whole day on the sea in the light and air, sun and happiness of summertime. We had been swimming and sailing; we laughed and sang. And it was wonderful to see how you were completely gay and light-hearted, instead of displaying your usual shyness and reserve. It was as if you had completely discarded the winter and wanted to live only for the joy of summer. I can still see you standing on the deck of the boat, brown and shining in the beauty of your youth. You had put a "genuine" Indian turban on your head and made a little beard from cotton. You imitated Rabindranath Tagore.

"Her laugh is hot and full of desire But they cannot fly wing on wing."

Even though these lines have so much tragic beauty, I still had to laugh. I shook so with laughter that tears came to my eyes and I collapsed on the deck.

And then we were at the little cafe by the water. As you were browsing through some magazines on a table, you suddenly picked up a plain looking pamphlet. A little magazine in a little format. You were leafing casually through its pages, becoming gradually more interested. When I asked you what it was that engrossed you, you replied, "Read for yourself, darling."

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