homosexuals are a degenerate and immoral

lot.

3. To accept oneself completely, whatever one may be, free from the prejudices and sex beliefs of any philosophical or religious system. (Not that the systems do not contain truth; but the part is not the whole, and the whole cannot be contained within the human intellect.) This advice to "know thyself" is a plank in the platform of many systems-but then they immediately circumscribe it with dogmas, doctrines, creeds. "The letter killeth,

This path is the way of love. One point on which all psychologists agree is that we must love ourselves before we can love others. This is the ultimate choice, love or hate. But does this self-acceptance necessarily mean happiness, as articles in ONE and the Mattachine Review imply? Unfortunately no. What then is lacking? The same thing that many heterosexuals lack-a lover, friend, helpmate. And where is this friend to be found? Ah! How I wish I knew.

Dear Friends:

Mr. B.

CAMBERWELL, AUSTRALIA

In reference to a letter from Miss V., of Pasadena (February, 1959) when a man reaches his majority he does not, unless he's nuts, make advances to a child still in his tender, formative years. If he does, logic has not prompted it. If the urge is imperative, as Miss V. suggests, and he cannot find peace and happiness with a fully-developed, thinking adult, then he is not himself a fully-developed, thinking adult.

May I take this opportunity to say how delightful was "Pages From a Journal of Waning Affection (January, 1959). Also, the Dawn Frederic cover on the February issue is striking. And the Toward understanding" column. of Dr. Baker's is fine.

Dear ONE:

Diana Sterling PHOENIX, ARIZONA

In reply to the letter from Miss V., of Pasadena-Deviation brings about an awareness of social pressure and presents to the homosexual a problem with no little confusion. Thinking is the last resort forced upon us by a pressing problem, and such thinking I venture is rarely sheer logic. Rather it is a combination of logic and emotion in introspection and a long serious conversation with God for truth, value and perspective. The conclusion of this brings about the knowledge adequate for adjustment to one's position in society (we are a part of it you know) and to oneself for peace of mind. Logic alone cannot give peace of mind and without that, Miss V., the human being has very little.

The persecution of the homosexual dates back more than a thousand years. Try to understand that it is not easy for man to disregard the beliefs handed down by the past. It is the result of a thousand-year-old mold, and one cannot break that mold by proclaiming that people today are ignorant. They do not understand, and most people fear what they cannot readily understand, as they fear the scorn of being apart from the majority. Therefore, the homosexual cannot make himself understood by force, but by knowing himself, his own history, and by understanding those that dislike him.

In concluding, I would like to touch upon your statement about free expression of drives being preferable to frustration. You speak of logic and thought. Then employ them. Society cannot allow a free expression of the drives of any one group, or it would disintegrate. Man must, for the continuation of his own existence, impose upon himself a series of checks and balances. This is basic in human society. As to frustration, again remember that intelligent action is the goal of all thinking.

When you speak of love be aware that love has many facets and can be found in perfection only in God. Man cannot gain perfection, but by true understanding he may gain goodness and beauty in his love for all things. Without that awareness there is little joy, peace or permanence in any of man's relationships-heterosexual or homosexual.

I would advise more constructive reading if you wish to think adequately.

Dear Editor:

Miss M.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

I have a grandson who is homosexual and I have come to understand his problems. For many years I have been interested and fascinated by the "the gay world." I have found that these misunderstood, unaccepted people are wonderful. They have a great deal more kindness than is ever spoken of.

I have opened my home to them, where they can come and bring their friends. An evening is spent in listening to hi-fi music, singing, dancing, or putting on a little theatrical show. Refresments are always served. It is wonderful to see and to hear their laughter. They surely "have a ball." It is just like one big happy family. Some come to discuss their problems, and everyone offers suggestions.

If more people would open their homes to them I believe it would bring a better understanding of these persecuted people. These boys and men have given me the nickname of "Bubbles" because I am short and fat, which is why I sign it so. Mrs. K.

LA CRESCENTA, CALIFORNIA

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