out upon the world from within himself at the mores and standards of men, so that he may pass judgment upon them and determine for himself which are good and which are bad.

A whole segment of society now declares that it has a viewpoint from which it proposes to judge the worthiness of the rest of mankind, the merits and demerits of their behavior. This homosexual segment of society no longer asks, "What is your viewpoint concerning me?" Instead, it announces a new datum, its own viewpoint. While acknowledging that this involves a complete turning of the tables, an entire change of position, this reversal is claimed as being both morally necessary and sanely healthy.

It calls for much clearing of foggy vision, for many vigorous mental struggles. Great resources of spiritual and intellectual effort are needed by those daring to think from any such viewpoint. The weak, or the lazy ones may prefer to flounder along in the old ways, still doubting themselves and their fellows, still wallowing in self-pity and self-recrimination. This they must do if they are unwilling to undergo the self-disciplines implicit in "The Homosexual Viewpoint," for it demands an end to grovelling and indignity, the continual practice of self-respect and self-confidence.

This was at least hinted at when this Editor wrote (November, 1953), "Nor does the homosexual public today grasp with tear-filled eye just any outstretched hand... The same objective approach is mandatory in the study of homosexuality as with other questions, the findings will be subjected to the same merciless scrutiny."

The clearing out of fouled nests of societal complacency may call for much blunt directness and acid scorn. The many sins committed against homosexual American citizens by an unthinking public are far too flagrant and too long-standing to permit the use of gentler methods just yet. Perhaps when society learns to mend its ways and adopt more truly moral standpoints less sternness will be needed.

Meanwhile, ONE must keep right on, clarifying its viewpoint and encouraging readers to do the same. This is the way toward richer and happier living, not only for homosexuals but for those having other affectional orientations. No society can remain healthy for long which insists on maintaining deep cleavages within itself. Somehow groups having radically different viewpoints have got to learn to get along with each other. Perhaps, when all is said and done, that is the very essence of "The Homosexual Viewpoint."

William Lambert,

Associate Editor

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