Yet playing the good samaritan is risky. Any older homophile who advises a confused youngster risks the charge of corrupting the morals of a minor (perhaps less so on the female side). Though the urgency of the sex drive being what it is in our society, the youth will undoubtedly get some answers to his questions, perhaps the wrong answers, well before he is 21. But woe to the man caught giving him any answers.

I was once terribly shocked, after hearing that a famous doctor said all homosexuals preyed on innocent youths, when a Lesbian friend retorted, "Buster, I've seen dang few homos, male or female, that were the least bit interested in juveniles-BUT, I just wish some kindly older homosexual had come along while I was a messed-up kid and taught me a few of the lessons I had to learn the hard way."

After a moment's consternation at such an opinion spoken aloud, I had to agree. Young heterosexuals get advice about sex with relative ease today. It would mean a lot to young homophiles to have someone explain things. Most older homophiles would be better off today if someone had done this. Does this mean that homosexuals might start luring youths on the pretext of advising them? Possibly! But Clinical studies are showing that very few are lured into homosexuality; most go out and hunt for it. Thousands of desperate or determined teenagers are hunting for it today. If, through not knowing where best to look, they find it first in the gutter, so much the worse for them.

Perhaps this is only theoretical. Some feel it is just "natural selection,” and that no one really can be sheltered from experience, supposedly the best teacher. It seems impossible at any rate for ONE to do more than mention the problems now. But sooner or later, homophiles will have to claim the right to aid their own kind—and at an age when help can help.

Lyn Pedersen, Associate Editor

From time to time, and there's no time like NEW YEAR, we try to add new features to ONE Magazine, January, 1954, saw the switch to the present more attractive format and the February issue introduced "The Feminine Viewpoint." In January, 1955. we added more pages and color. only to find the costs prohibitive. That issue also introduced "tangents" our "International" feature, and our first original article by a "name" writer. In 1957, we began regular editorials. Many of the major changes came in mid-year-in June, 1957, we began our new and better method of printing, enabling us to get the issues out on time. January, 1958, introduced our editorial "New Look," focusing on problems of homophile living. This month we proudly offer the new column, "Toward Understanding," by Dr. Baker, which we feel will be both popular and helpful. This issue also introduces a slight change in the format of the editorial. We hope to continue to improve throughout the year. Next January, who knows? A new format, maybe?

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