fied. I even had a little boy on a bus exclaim quite loudly, "Mommy, was that a boy or a girl?"
And I have taken stock of myself.
The realization to which I have come is basically quite simple. We are all women. Face it, butches. We really are, no matter what our psychological make-up. None of us would be gay if we were not attracted to our same sex. And there is absolutely nothing to be gained by living our lives in farcical imitations of men.
Society cannot, will not, adjust to us. Therefore, if we wish to live peacefully and with a minimum of discrimination, we must adjust to society. Why defy the undefiable?
Some may say, "I just wouldn't look like a butch," "I feel more comfortable in men's clothes," and "My friends would laugh, besides, how would any girl in whom I was interested know I was a butch?"
Bunk!
You know what you are! Your real friends wouldn't laugh! Chances are, some of them would even follow your example. And as far as attracting a partner, no girl would be gay if she wanted a man. Or a frustrated pseudo-male in a Lord Fauntleroy
suit.
Jobs would be easier to find.
Residence would no longer be limited to the 'gay' apartment house, the 'gay' neighborhood, or the section of town that is of so low a quality that everything is accepted.
Familes might take a far more lenient view of lesbianism.
It would no longer be necessary to limit ourselves to the strictly gay bar or restaurant for social contacts and entertainment.
Life would be far more happy and well-rounded.
So, butches, I have just one more thing to say: why not compromise? Huh?
one
THE LADDER
Monthly magazine of articles, stories, poems, book reviews, quotes, comment and significant opinion on sexual problems facing the Lesbian in society today. Published by The DAUGHTERS OF BILITIS, Inc., non-profit educational, research and social service organization. Subscriptions mailed in sealed plain envelope, $2.50.
DAUGHTERS OF
BILITIS
165 O'Farrell Street, Suite 405
San Francisco 2, Calif. Telephone Yukon 2-9290
THE LADDER
FEBRUARY 1958 50 c
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