"... simply for the exchange of letters. . . ." Pedersen.

Mr. N. R. of Delaware writes: Read your pro and con debate on Pen Pal clubs, and even though I have met one filthy-writing character, the others. whom I have been writing are of the higher type of individual. One is an accountant, another an artist, another a teacher. There have been some others which did not expand to great letter-writing affairs, but the one-time correspondence with them was a pleasant experience.

But I can say that both points of view have considerable merit and certainly will or should give reason for some deep and soul-searching scrutinizationferreting out the motives and intents we each ostrich-like seem not to want to uncover.

"The man who is a natural sucker for hustlers can expect trouble whether by mail, in bars or church, or on the street." Pedersen.

Miss J. W. of Brooklyn writes: So we all want a Pen Pal. You've finally uncovered our most secret longing. (Most of us are tired of sending away for free samples-now we want a Pen Pal.)

Seriously, I think we should have our Pen Pals, and that you should provide them for us. I read both articles carefully. I really wanted to know what was what, so I read every word, and I must say that I am in favor of Mr. Pedersen's approach much more than Mr. Lambert's. Why not a Pen Pal club? Mr. Lambert says that dire results will come from having Pen Pals; well listen, dire results come from any situation that is not handled properly. If gay folk want to go out and have things happen to them, they can do so very easily-not only with Pen Pals. If what Bill Lambert writes is true, then we should close down all gay bars and all means of one homosexual meeting another. We should live in a sealed, isolated world-simply because one guy might possibly beat up on another or steal his precious treasures.

The Countess of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania writes: The examples given in "Sick, Sick, Sick" by Wm. Lambert could happen anytime and anyplace where a gay guy meets what he thinks will be an interesting night with new friend. It has happened to me a few times and I even lost my job in Washington, D.C. because of a co-worker's statement that I was gay. But as for myself, I don't care who knows I'm gay for, if I must, I just move and start over again. Even though one is hurt inside by these things, you get

over it.

Mr. L. S. of New York writes: Why not a Pen Pal club? I think it's a wonderful idea. And don't limit it to just boys meet boys, girls meet girls, but let any person meet who they want.

I for one never have trouble meeting people. I go in a bar or party and see someone I'd like to meet and I start talking. It's a nice way to get people out of their shells. I can go in a bar and see someone sitting at the bar, or standing off from the bar, looking like he lost his last friend. That's my

one

8