marriage. Three purposes seem to be indicated: First-The creative companionship of two human beings; Second-The procreation and rearing of children so that human life may continue to exist in the world: Third -The marriage of convenience with economic and social factors predominant. Although a gay marriage cannot produce children, there are cases on record where homo couples have adopted and successfully reared children. Or if adoption of children is not possible or desirable, an interest in children can be sublimated into creative work with them as is the case with many childless heterosexual couples. School teaching, volunteer work with Scouts and Campfire girls, and with children in hospitals and clinics as well as "brain children", the results of activity in the creative arts are examples. My husband and I have no children, but we act as mother and father figures with the majority of people who work with us in therapy. It has been claimed that a homosexual marriage is bound to be unsuccessful because homophiles are said to be "unstable, neurotic and promiscuous individuals". I do not deny that many homosexual individuals may thus be described, but I do not find that these negative qualities are always associated with homosexuals per se. I find that these negative qualities are quite frequently associated with heterosexual individuals as well. As a matter of fact, maladjusted homosexuals closely resemble female prostitutes in these negative aspects. The basic cause behind instability, neuroticism and promiscuity seems to be lack of self-confidence and appreciation of one's self as an individual. Such a person is keenly aware of social disapproval, especially in the sexual realm, which enhances his selfdestructive or masochistic tendencies. The homoand bi-sexual individuals are natural variants of the human

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species, the products of hereditary variations combined with early environmental factors, especially the attitudes of father and mother. Since such individuals tend to feel that they are different from other children quite early in life they are sensitive especially to negative criticism and tend to develop the negative qualities we are discussing. However, there are homoand bi-sexual individuals who are more fortunate in their early environment where their differences were accepted and not criticised or demned; thus they mature more successfully, becoming adjusted individuals who live quiet, creative lives in their own unique way and never need to find the path to the psychiatrists's office. I count quite a number of such individuals among my friends; and I suspect that there would be a great many more such useful members of society if homosexuality were more widely understood and accepted. I would like to see children who show homosexual tendencies early in life given a more unique type of education so that they can better understand and accept themselves. Then they would be more capable of forming and maintaining the close creative relationships with their own kind which have been referred to as the "gay" or "homo" marriage. As you have indicated, the more successful marriage is based on friendship and common interest, rather than on "cruising" and onenight-stands.

Again let me thank you, C. L. R., for your very helpful letter.

Let us have more letters from other couples who have maintained a similar successful marriage for many years. Let us create an ideal of success in homosexual relationships. We have been hearing all too much about the unhappy failures who need these letters to strengthen their efforts towards happiness. Sincerely,

Dr. Blanche M. Baker.