REPORT

BRUSSELS

FROM

At the end of May just past, ONE had a representative at the ICSE Congress in Brussels. Although Americans have attended some of the preceding four Congresses this is the first time an American organization has had official representation. Have homophiles enough social maturity to cast a critical eye now and then on some of their own institutions? If so, the Congress might be a good starting point.

For it strongly exhibited marked weaknesses-and some strengths. First of all, a secretariat-coordinating type organization such as ICSE should show itself strongest in exactly that, in coordination. Yet, what happened? The entire order of the announced program was changed around on the opening day, and some of the speakers never did arrive. Homophile organizations in United States have never permitted themselves such informality. In the many Midwinter Institutes held by ONE and the Annual Conventions of the Mattachine Society held since 1953, the only variations recalled from the announced programs were the non-appearance of a minor speaker at a luncheon, and the last-minute substitution of a roundtable chairman. In all other respects these programs have gone off like clock-work.

Apparently, other arangements regarding housing of delegates and such matters one generally takes for

one

granted also went off far from smoothly. Such lapses are hardly impressive in the eyes of a world already severely critical of the homphile. Unfortunately, the previous Congress in Paris is still remembered for its incidents. quite lacking in dignity and good

taste.

What is the root of the difficulty? Is it. as some may claim, that ICSE is not worthy of support? This seems to be the attitude of several of the European groups. Or, is it that there is bad management somewhere along the line? Perhaps about all that can be said is that where difficulties occur and recur, there is something in need of improvement.

From a great distance it is undoubtedly hard to know about the many reasons why things happen and the various personality problems so vividly a part of such considerations. Yet, it is exactly by virtue of the distance that a certain impersonality of perspective may be achieved. At least this must be attempted.

In this light, what would appear to be the basic problem? First, let it be said that the concept of a coordinating group in some form, to act as a liason between the homophile organizations in various countries is a very valid one. The need exists. A way of satisfying it surely can be found. Second, perhaps a fundamental problem arises in that the seat of this group should be

26