Letters

realize that I craved for the boy and was repulsed by the girl.

I passed through many weeks of despair, but have now accepted the situation. How foolish we are to say that we're normal, when normality and "abnormality" are so close to each other!

Mr. S.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO THE EDITORS FORWARD LETTERS FROM READERS TO OTHER PERSONS NOR DO THEY ANSWER CORRESPONDENCE MAKING SUCH REQUESTS.

Dear ONE Magazine:

I don't want to say that I like your Magazine for the poetry alone, but I find I always come back to the poems and read and re-read them many times. I could be classified I guess as an amateur poet because I'm always attempting to write them as best I can, though more are torn up and thrown away than are kept. How about more poems in the future, if possible?

Sir:

Mr. M.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Not too long ago, three years to be exact, I saw a copy of your Magazine on a stand in Times Square, New York, and scornfully laughed, saying, "Now they've got a paper for the homos too." Little did I realize at that moment that I'd become one myself. I'm writing this letter to explain what I think is one of the strangest situations.

I'm 24 years old, blond, well-built, crewcut, the type usually described as the AllAmerican boy. I graduated from a college in Massachusetts, played on the basketball team, belonged to the swimming team, took girls. out and indulged in all the usual so-called normal activities of necking, petting, etc. I had no desire for boys, although I was with handsome young men much, saw them in the nude, etc.

About two years ago something happened. I can't put my hands on it. Always being interested in athletics and physical culture I joined a leading gym, did work-outs and really built up quite a physique. My attentions came to focus more not only on my body, but on other males as well. I fought the desire, but was not able to overcome it. I had an affair with a male model who accepted himself as gay. Later, I dated a girl and, to find out, had an affair with her. It was a shock to

To the Staff of ONE:

I liked "A Place to Go" (December, 1958) and was interested to read the note from its author, Matt Kent, published under "Letters' in the same issue. The mistake is a characteristic experience of many gay people, especially in their earlier years. The unkindness of some gay people to other gay people is rather common, although it's often a defensive measure. You are to be praised for publishing a "negative" story in your Christmas issue. In its place you might have been tempted to put a frothy bit that would have done nobody any good. Mr. E. DENISON, TEXAS

To the Editors:

Referring to the article "One More Phoney Expose" (November, 1958) I am sure you realize there will always be a certain number of crack-pots who will seek to spread false rumors and twisted statements concerning the work and purpose of your fine publications and organization. These are the people who. really need the advice of expert doctors.

I am a firm believer in homosexual life and think that it is a most beautiful thing. As far as sex goes I too share the opinion that it belongs in private, behind closed doors, and nowhere else. The small minority of peephole seekers, toilet queens, screaming faggots and other forms of extremists must be rooted out at once to prevent further rumors from spreading. But how? Perhaps those who read ONE and share my opinion can suggest ways. Mr. B.

To the Staff at ONE:

NEW YORK, N. Y.

I think it would be appropriate if each and every reader would pause a moment, lay aside whatever prejudices and whatever criticisms he might feel justified in expressing and give thanks that we do at least have a medium through which we may exchange views and read the type of material that best suits us as a group.

As I have said before, I think all departments of ONE are doing a very creditable piece of editing. Substantially I agree with your policies, I only wish that the stories could be a little more lengthy, but naturally the printing must be limited to the budget

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