"I AM GLAD

I AM HOMOSEXUAL"

by Hollister Barnes

During the past several years Hollister Barnes has interviewed many homosexuals, both in America and Europe. It is his contention that two main currents characterize homosexual thinking. These, he claims, find their expression in the various homophile movements in several countries, each of which attracts to itself adherents to its particular philosophy. He has bluntly described these two main currents in uncompromising, almost moralistic terms. They are the "asexual" attitude and the "homosexual" attitude.

Says Mr. Barnes in his accompanying letter, "The first view is so generally familiar and has so often been presented that in the interests of counterbalancing it I have emphasized the opposite.

"How can anyone claim to be glad for being a homosexual, or proud of it? The question would seem less surprising to a people less infected by centuries of counter-propaganda. Viewing the whole matter quite objectively, what sound and intrinsic reasons are there for being otherwise? Of what is the homosexual deprived that others enjoy, in realms domestic or public, moral or ethical?"

"I am proud of being a homosexual." This powerfully affirmative statement, made by a speaker at the Constitutional Convention of the Mattachine Society, in April, 1953, acted as an electrifying catalyst. Some few applauded its forth-rightness. Others, whether consciously or not, rallied together defensively as a bloc. As the Convention proceeded the views of this bloc gradually took the lead and a Constitution generally expressive of their thinking was adopted. Thus, two radically opposite attitudes towards homosexuality were thrown into bold relief. During the years since then this divergence has become even more clearly marked. Time has not exerted the softening and mellowing influence so often ascribed to it. On the contrary, each year finds views a little more stoutly maintained, the focus less fuzzy than before. What are these opposing views?

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The term asexual might be used a bit sardonically as characterizing the attitude, if not the behavior, of the majority of homophiles. They tend to agree with popular opinion that homosexuality is wrong; that it is sinful; that it is shameful: to be vigorously curbed by self-denial. sublimation, or other methods (even masturbation). They seem to feel that homosexuals should at all costs present a public appearance of conformity and "normalcy," of asexuality, if necessary. The homosexual, and his organizations, should cooperate to the fullest extent with "public authorities." according to this view. Above all things, the individual is held to be obligated to be an all-around "good guy.” “Act square," is the motto. "It's only sensible," they say.

Is it fair to term this group asexuals? It is fair in that this is the public impression they strive to con-

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