THE FEMININE

VIEWPOINT

by and about women

"WHY DO THEY PERSECUTE US SO?"

The mental condition of a great majority of the "gay" element in this country is indeed a shocking pity. Such remarks as "they just don't understand us"; "Why do they persecute us so?" "Everytime something goes wrong they blame it on us!" and, "Well, we can't help being this way!" these plus many, many more, which no doubt, you yourself have heard above the noise in smoke choked rooms all over the country.

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The pity of it all, is the fact that we CAN help it... and there's plenty we can do about it... if some of us would just GROW UP.

Look around you at the girl with the close cropped hair, fly-front pants, and oh so masculine voice and mannerisms, (what's she trying to prove?) ... at the boy with the rouged face, plucked eyebrows and flailing arms, (and he?) listen to some of the language, and remarks; watch them on the streets and in the restaurants; listen to their voices, and watch the way they walk...

This is why the American homosexual is persecuted; this is why the ambitious gay man or woman can't get government or public contact positions if it is known or even suspected that they are homosexual; this is why we have to migrate to smoke filled bars, why when in business, we have to cross the street, or turn our faces away when we encounter one of our

Carol Robin

"twilight friends" on the street or in a store or restaurant, why the teacher must hibernate for fear of being seen talking, drinking or eating with a "known," and a professional person is always on edge when out for the evening These people aren't ashamed of being homosexual, they are just being cautious, afraid of putting themselves in a position where they might lose what they have worked so hard to gain.

The gay people in this country (the majority, that is) have a lot to offer to the world. Their sensitiveness to beauty, and craving for affection can bring them great dividends if they put it all to proper use.

But no, some women choose to dress like men, and drive a truck or work in a factory. Some boys choose to act like women and be kept . . . or live a drab unsatisfied life. They mill around, poor things, and cry, "why do they persecute us so?" . . . or "I keep my feelings suppressed all week, why can't I let my hair down on weekends?" Again I say, poor things, surely it must be horrible to be so helpless.

In business, advertising is a great asset-in gay life it can be a thorn in your heart. A search for happiness can be eternal, but then, the key can be right at the tip of your fingers or right before your eyes. We DON'T have to broadcast! We know each other!