If this definition is correct, and I still think it is, it would necessarily follow that the male of the species holds little, if any, sexual attraction. for the lesbian. For her he may be a very dear friend or companion-but not a lover.

There are many men who apparently find this negation of their romantic prowess a challenge. The lesbian is then a woman who just hasn't met the right man. To put it in the vernacular-all she needs is a good lay!

There are other men, heterosexually oriented, who find one women attractive, but the idea of two women together becomes ever so much more enticing. These men may make attempts to meet lesbians in gay bars, but more often become avid readers and collectors of lesbian literature. Sometimes the whole idea becomes so fascinating that they crave first hand accounts and may seek out lesbian contacts for the sole purpose of developing a "pen-pal" relationship. They claim to be very understanding and sympathetic-"You may speak freely to me." In fact, dear lesbian, please share in writing the most intimate moments of your sex life in graphic detail.

But unfortunately for these men, the lesbian regards her love life as something very personal and is therefore reticent (even among lesbian friends) about such discussions, either verbal or written. It is interesting to note that almost all pornographic literature on the lesbian theme is not written by and for lesbians, but by men for male consumption.

Many men, who claim to be heterosexual, admit that they are rather effeminate in appearance, mannerisms and outlook. And being somewhat over the equator of the male-female polarity scale, they seek their masculine counterpart in a lesbian. What they fail to realize is that the lesbian does not want a pseudo-feminine part-

one

ner-she wants the real McCoy!

Some male homosexuals feel that there may still be a possibility for them to make a heterosexual adjustment and attain the fulfillment of marriage, fatherhood and home. These men will more than likely choose a lesbian for a mate because they feel she will be more understanding.

Other male homosexuals will propose marriage to lesbians for the sake of convenience and security against the wagging tongues of a hostile society. These are generally marriages in name only, with each partner going his or her separate way.

and/or

The male transvestites trans-sexuals who seek lesbian companionship are generally disappointed. These men are actually looking for the more conventional tea party, sewing circle or bridge club female set, and somehow the lesbian just doesn't fit this picture.

Then of course there are the voyeurs who would pay a considerable price for the privilege of watching lesbians "in the act." And if the lesbian is reticent in writing or talking about her sex life, she would certainly be even less inclined to perform for those bug-eyed viewers.

There are also men who identify themselves as "queer for women." (This group would include older men who, by virtue of their age, have become impotent.) They mistakenly believe that the method by which the lesbian may obtain sexual gratification (the technique of which they are certain they can perform more deftly than any women!) is the end-all answer. They fail to realize that lesbianism is not just a mode of sexual gratification-not just an act. It is something a little more complicated and involved, and yet quite simple really.

Lesbianism is a way of life-the emotional, physical and spiritual expression of the love of one woman for another.

Del Martin