EDITORIAL

THE HOMOSEXUAL VIEWPOINT

In November, 1953, ONE's cover for the first time bore the bold, if somewhat awkwardly phrased legend, "The Homosexual Magazine." For the following three and a half years these words appeared on about half of the covers, to the consternation of timid readers and the delight of sales-minded newsdealers.

Later, while plans were being laid for what the Editors called the Magazine's New Look (slick paper, standard type-faces and column widths, all linotype set and press-run), many a turbulent, stormy session centered around proposals for a new legend, "The Homosexual Viewpoint." That was in the summer of 1957.

It could not be denied that the phrase "The Homosexual Magazine" was of dubious syntax according to strict usage, but some felt that this argument was being used merely as a smokescreen to hide the fears of those who found the slogan alarming. The contention was that to abandon so forthright and bold a statement would amount to conceding territory to these timid ones, the Queasy Quaens, as someone called them.

The grammarians finally won out. Three years have passed by since then, enough time for some appraisal to be made of whatever effect the changeover may have had. Was it a concession to conservatism, or was it a gain in boldness?

In trying to answer these questions it will first of all be noted that the Magazine's covers still are identified with homosexuality. Buyers still know exactly what to expect from its contents. Those browsing at newsstands may still be led to pick up a copy out of curiosity, so coming in contact with ONE's work, and this is exactly what happens month after month wherever the Magazine is publicly sold.

Next, the words "The Homosexual Viewpoint" proclaim clearly that the Magazine is one with a definite viewpoint. Such casual phrases as "his viewpoint, the grass-roots viewpoint" and others of that sort are somewhat vague and generalized. ONE's viewpoint is far from being so. It is clearcut and sharply focussed. Its aim is to present the way homosexuals view themselves and the world around them. It implies that the things they see and hear and feel have a special hue and coloration. Most pointedly of all, it is the viewpoint of the homosexual looking

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