EDITORIAL

The past year has seen an unprecedented flood of paperback novels on the lesbian theme. In their attempt for a fast dollar, or should I say 35c, these books flash "sexy" covers, and boast that they will probe the "lives of the tormented and lost women of the third sex." Nymphomaniacs run rampant and the characters always seem to have a drink in their hand. Then, of course, comes the "happy" ending when the heroine marries the long-suffering man who has extricated her from life in the shadows. It seems obvious that these authors have never known a lesbian. It must also be noted that a large number of these books are written by males for male consumption.

It is unfortunate that the reading public must be subjected to this sort of trash. There are some worthwhile novels written on the lesbian theme. But they seem to be few and far between. Can the heterosexual reader have anything but a prejudiced view of the homosexual while these books continue to flood the newsstands? It is argued by some homosexuals that any opening into the market is better than none. I am not so sure. It serves no constructive purpose to perpetuate the homosexual stereotype; instead, it only widens the gap of misunderstanding. Should we not, rather, advocate the portrayal of the homosexual as a responsible member of the community? Is it impossible that a lesbian should choose to live happily with a lesbian partner of her choice? I do not think we dare advocate homosexuality as a way of life so long as we do not refute the stereotype these novels create.

We should try to educate the public so that they will not buy books that have no constructive literary value. If a book becomes distasteful we should refuse to buy it. We must encourage authors to write stimulating and representative novels about the homosexual. Not until we are able to convince the heterosexual that the lesbian is not a tormented and lost woman, will we dare stand up and advocate homosexuality as an acceptable way of life for the homosexual.

Alison Hunter Women's Editor

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