After all you're not actually sponsoring a Lonely Hearts or Matrimonial Bureau, nor trading in Black Market babies. Is the aforesaid enterprise any less legal, not to mention. respectable, than cruising along the streets, in the "Park Across the Way" or that perennial trout-stream of wishful thinking, the Bar? Is it any more hazardous than hitch-hiking, or picking up the hitch-hiker?
I have no wish to enter into a debate with anyone about the subject, merely wished to state my views for what they're worth. Do what you will, of course, but it is my sincere hope that you do start one. If such were the case I would then be able to learn more about Mr. W. of this, my own, city. While he carefully described himself and quite candidly stated his proclivities, he neglected all who might somehow be interested in that all-important datum, his AGE. To think that at this very moment he is somewhere in this city and who knows whether our paths will ever cross? Nor shall we be able to find out more about one another, either publicity or privately, and why? All because of ONE's ultraconservative, or should I say frightened,
policy.
Dear ONE:
Mr. D. Washington, D. C.
In regards to Pen Pals, it could be nice sometimes, but on the other hand it's not such a good idea, as a person never knows actually who they might be writing to.
I think more Straight People should read ONE. They would find it interesting and educational and would learn what a homosexual really is. I'm sure they would find that we're just like anybody else. It's just that we are slightly mixed up and confused, but how many Straight People aren't these days! I have had my bad days, also good ones. Because I am homosexual myself reading ONE brings great enjoyment and relief. Mr. B. Chicago, Illinois
Gentlemen:
Regarding Pen Pals, I should like to make a comment for what it may be worth. I have been a member of an all-male Pen Pal Club for the greater part of a year. I have requested names and addresses of persons who live within this vicinity so that there might be the possibility of a more concrete friendship.
However, I can honestly say that at the present time I have not been able to "get through" to anyone. It seems to me they are only interested in securing pictures. Perhaps everyone is searching for a Greek god, which I am not.
In order for such a thing to be a success it depends not entirely upon the organization sponsoring the Pen Pal Club, but chiefly on
one
the members themselves and
upon their genuine cooperation with the Club and with their fellow members. I would like very much to make a lasting friendship along these lines, but so far it has been futile. Mr. A.
Dear ONE:
Paterson, New Jersey
While sending in my monthly fin, I'd like to take this opportunity to put in my two cents-worth on the subject of pen-pals. There can be no doubt at all that a pen-pal service. would ease many aching hearts. Of course there would be the same disadvantages with it as there are in the hetero world, but these would have to be dealt with by the individual.
The main thing here is the cost of such a service. Everything has a price, and if the price of a pen-pal service in any way endangers our beloved ONE, we can't afford it. None of us. And I am ashamed of anyone who would be so selfish as to even suggest that you go against the advice of your attorney. We NEED you.
Mr. Y.
REPORTS FROM THE FIELD Dear Don:
Kansas
Bars have been closed here in New York City within the past half year until it's awful. A person like myself has very few places to go. So now what are we to do, street-walk?
Why don't these people realize that we are here; that no one can stop us; that if all of us should move out of New York City this place would be a lost cause? We are here, and we are here to stay.
New York is a wonderful place, but I really think they are trying to do away with it the way they are arresting gay people here. Mr. B.
Dear Bill:
New York, N. Y.
Since you picked up my subscription from behind the shelves, or wherever it was, I've been getting ONE every month. I remember when I first saw it on a newsstand in Los Angeles and it said "The Homosexual Viewpoint," I hadn't the nerve to buy a copy. I looked at it though! What if everyone who believes as we do would just forget ONE, I think, Gad, this just couldn't happen.
One has to be so careful here, I just can't see how I can help ONE. I am a teacher, so I would be scared to do anything to bring me into the limelight. Isn't it terrible that in this area being a homosexual means being an outrageous monster?
Mr. W.
Idaho
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