TOWARD UNDERSTANDING

The purpose of this column is to create a better understanding of homosexual problems through the psychiatric viewpoint.

BLANCHE M. BAKER M.D.. PH.D.

Dear Dr. Baker,

Because I am homosexual I have difficulty mixing socially with people. I have not been able to get a job that will last working with others because of my inability to mix. I have just passed my 32nd birthday and I feel that by now I could keep up with the crowd if given a chance. Even the Army rejected me but still they offered me no help in getting settled at anything else. I am disappointed with the Vocational Rehabilitation Department of the Veterans Administration since they wouldn't even try to get me work. Perhaps I could work satisfactorily by myself or with one other person.

Don't you think it is unfair for people to discriminate against me just because I am homosexual?

Mr. R. N. New York

Dear R. N..

Of course it is unfair to discriminate against homosexuals just as it is unfair to discriminate against Jews, Negroes and other minority groups. But such discriminations are realities which must be faced and no amount of regret can do a thing to change the picture. However, we are living in a very fortunate time for we now have organizations such as ONE, Inc. and the Mattachine Society which are taking positive steps to educate the public to a better understanding of the homosexual, chiefly by helping the homosexual to better understand himself.

I would recommend that you affliate with one of these organizations where you could work with other homosexuals and would not feel so acutely different. Your problem seems to be largely a matter of per-