Letters

The views expressed here are those of the writers. ONE's readers cover a wide range of geographical, economic, age, and educational status. This department aims to express this diversity.

Dear Miss Hunter:

In your Editorial (July, 1958) you mention the fact that DER KREIS, the oldest and one of the largest of all the homophile organizations does not admit women either as members or as participants.

May I first of all mention that I was agreeably surprised when our English Editor told me on his return from his visit to your country how excellently homophile women and men worked together at the office of ONE. This news came really as an agreeable surprise. The slight accusation unspokenly present in your above-mentioned editorial is not exactly new to DER KREIS. We have been "accused of the "crime" of not admitting women to DER KREIS repeatedly within the last twenty-five years. However, I would like to point out that the beginnings of DER KREIS have much in common with the beginnings of ONE. As you are doubtlessly aware DER KREIS was founded by a woman, Mammina, who carried all of the burden for several years on her shoulders alone, until I had the honour of becoming her co-worker.

We worked closely together for several years until finally we both came to the conclusion that though the interests of homophile women and men are identical their ways of living socially together are at least in Switzerland-incompatible. The real reason for this incompatibility neither Mammina nor myself have ever been able to define clearly. All I can say is that since the day DER KREIS was only admissable for male subscribers we have had several "mixed" clubs at Zurich, all of them very short-lived ones, I'm afraid. From nearly a quarter of a century of observation I am inclined to say personallyand, mind you, I'm speaking only for myself and for conditions in Switzerland-that generally women of our kind tend to be not only critical but super-critical of their brothers in kind, whereas the male homophile is far more tolerant toward his sisters.

So, it all may come down in the end to the simple fact that our KREIS-boys did not want to be governed" by petticoats and decided

on a split at a general meeting of all subscribers. But despite the "official" parting of ways we are all on very friendly terms with each other even though DER KREIS is-unfortunately, from your point of view-a purely male affair.

Women and men of DER KREIS parted ways in the tenth year of its existence. ONE is now in its sixth year. Maybe in another four years there will be a TWO, a women's exclusive monthly for the success of which I send you in advance my very best wishes,

Dear Sir:

Rolf, Editor DER KREIS ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

I have read the article by Allen Windsor, "If One Needs Religion," (July, 1958). From the title one is lead to think that there is some question in the author's mind as to whether one needs religion. As one reads the article it becomes clear that there is this question in his mind, yet he has the nerve to go on and try to tell others what kind of a religion they should choose. He says that if one seeks order, absolutes and the truth there is every chance that he will be a Catholic. I am sure that if Mr. Windsor will take the time to look into the Protestant Churches he will find there the same qualities he has set forth for the Catholic Church, and the same applies to the Jewish Faith as well.

Through the years men have sought some form of religion and all of them are for his betterment. They have taken on many forms. Some have lasted but a short while, others through the years are stronger. Few men have turned to 100% atheism. When we talk of the Church we are all too prone to talk in terms of those who go to church and what they say and do.

Holy Writ points out that there is only one judge of our deeds and further goes on to point out that those who confessed were forgiven. None can be worse for their sharing at some time in a religious service. If all of