For some time I have brooded upon the inanity of the position taken by some of the leaders in the homophile movement to the effect that homosexuality could or should be used as an instrument to curb the population explosion going on all over the world. Perhaps I should soften that a bit and say that "In my opinion this is an inane and unjustifiable position to hold." The most recent case in point was the editorial printed in the February issue of this year's ONE Magazine and which was written by the Women's Editor, Alison Hunter, a very good editorial as a matter of fact, until (in my opinion) we get to the last paragraph. Let me quote that paragraph for you: "It is time to call for at least half the women of the world to do their duty and NOT have babies, at least not more than the world can support." So far, so good but then the bomb: "We can think of no better way to ensure this than by encouraging more women to join in permanent and highly moral partnerships with one another." !!!

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I can think of a better way: contraceptives and a program of planned parenthood. If I were a heterosexual woman I would deeply resent that last sentence. If I had but little contact and acquaintance with homosexual people, I would find the statement threatening. I would think, "Aha, homosexuals want not just freedom to be themselves so long as they hurt no one else, they seek to ensnare normal people in their unnatural ways!"

As a Lesbian, I also deeply resent the statement. It offends my concept of the right of each individual to find his own way to that sexual adjustment which suits him best without harming any other soul's right to a different sexual adjustment. It offends my concept of the dignity and the rightness of homosexuality for me, for that concept is not based on some utili-

HOMOSEXUALITY

AND

OVERPOPULATION

ellis radick

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