spot in my heart that is filled with loneliness.

I know that somewhere in this world there are others who have experienced like tragedies and they too need someone. For I want to be loved, but most of all I want to love.

I have enclosed a money order not as payment for any assistance you might give, but simply because I can't think of a better cause to which to contribute.

Anxiously awaiting your reply.

Dear C.L.M.:

Sincerely,

C.L.M.

Your provocative letter to William Lambert was referred to me for a more detailed reply in my column, since our editor felt that it was timely and deserving of wider circulation for it deals with a subject which may be very helpful to many others in similar circumstances. I heartily agree with you that Bill Lambert is an unusually understanding person, of tremendous insight. I consider it a real privilege to be associated with him and the longer I know him the more I appreciate the breadth of his vision and his courageous and diplomatic leadership in ONE, Inc. I believe that he has already acknowledged your letter and thanked you for your generous gift.

We appreciate the serious problem confronting you as a homosexual in the Armed Services, and can offer some suggestions that may be of help to you and others in dealing with the situation.

When a love affair breaks up, the self-destructive impulses may often push one into a dangerous situation. You could have had serious difficulty by joining the Army so hastily. It is good to know that you have calmed down and so far avoided trouble for you were very vulnerable to a rebound affair which in the Armed Forces

one

makes you liable to a dishonorable discharge if you were apprehended. As a matter of fact, due to present shortsighted policies, Uncle Sam does not want homophiles in his service. Homophile organizations consider these policies discriminatory-but they do exist, and can seriously hurt the unwary individual. Adequate provisions are made to avoid such dangers by providing the means whereby people with such tendencies may be exempt from military duty. However, many do not know how to make use of the provisions or fail to use them because of fear. I know of one sad case of a handsome corpsman in the Navy who was trying desperately hard to avoid difficulties when some queen he had spurned, reported him. for "lingering too long" over the dressing of a patients leg, and although no overt act had been committed, the corpsman received a blue discharge. Subsequently, he found difficulty in obtaining satisfactory employment and had to accept menial jobs. Finally, he changed his name and secured ministerial training where he is converting his rough experiences into understanding guidance of many who have been "down and out."

To begin with, every candidate for induction who has homophile tendencies and does not wish to run the risk of discrimination, scandal or public dismissal from the Armed Services, should check the box concerning homosexual tendencies in his original, medical history. Many fail to do this because of fear. It should be recognized that there is no one way of positively identifying a homosexual unless he is willing to admit it or is "caught in the act." Many fear that their admission will not be kept confidential. It has been my experience, in working with veterans, hospitals, and with draft boards, that official documents are kept strictly confidential in the Armed Services though some say this

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