Dr. Evelyn Hooker Speaks at V.D. Council Luncheon

Principal speakers at the V.D. Council's Annual Luncheon which was held this year in the Pacific Room of the Los Angeles Statler Hotel were Evelyn Hooker, Ph.D., Research Associate in Psychology, U.C.L.A., known to ONE's readers for her work with the male homosexual, and Harriett Randall. M.D.. Assistant Medical Director, Health Education, L. A. City Board of Education.

Dr. Hooker, who spoke first, reported her findings gained after fiveyears of intensive research into the male homosexual. It was apparent that her vital message did not penetrate the armor of pre-conceived opinion of Social Welfare attitude and training in which the audience, composed mainly of Social Workers, Probation Officers, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, etc., came protected.

Briefly, Dr. Hooker was able to tell how homosexuality has been present in all centuries, all countries where it has often been a regular part of the social structure.

In explaining what homosexuality is Dr. Hooker used the familiar Kinsey scale: 0-6. She contrasted the "overt" and "latent" homosexuals, and added that of the latter group 4% of the male population constitute exclusive homosexuals.

Dr. Hooker went on to explain that homosexuality is found in every occupation and social level, that homosexuals lead constructive lives, and she debunked the theory that there is a recognizable type. It would appear that the adult patterns of both the homosexual and the heterosexual are very much alike, she added.

Dr. Hooker cautioned her listeners against believing that a very large percentage of homosexuals are also child-molesters. In fact, her findings indicate they lead quite harmless lives.

In her closing minutes, Dr. Hooker explained the bisexual male and how he works; she explained about the homosexual community that exists within the larger social structurewith its language, institutions, ways, concluding that it was most comfortable.

She finished with a plea for understanding and caution on the part of the audience present explaining the work done in England by the Wolfenden Committee toward a more realistic attitude concerning the subject. Dr. Hooker did say "God forbid" that any boy should grow up to be a homosexual.

From this point Dr. Harriet Randall, who spoke only a few minutes, was able to summarize the need for our social institutions and agencies as well as their indiivdual workers to seek prevention and understanding (Dr. Hooker had made it clear that cure is rarely, if ever, possible). Dr. Randall pointed out that despite early family influences there is often still opportunities to turn young minds with homosexual tendencies to more healthy choices in later years, and that adult attitudes concerning the subject plays a cruicial role in determining the choice.

She concluded by saying that preventive programs were possible and should be aimed at finding ways to develop healthy family emotional climates.

-D. S.

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