A HETEROSEXUAL VIEWPOINT

by Peter Genung

Now that I have read several issues of ONE Magazine, I feel impelled to strain your good nature slightly by offering some unsolicited thoughts from "the other side of the fence" on the acceptance of homosexuals by heterosexuals.

I shall not fatigue your patience by belaboring a purity of motive, or by claiming an unassailable masculinity. I merely ask you to accept my viewpoint as that of a "straight" person with a sincere interest in the problem insofar as it touches the lives of several of my friends.

Before homosexuals can be more freely accepted in a heterosexual society I see two goals to be achieved. First, dignity, which is the sole responsibility of the homophile himself. Second, sexual enlightenment, which is rather a matter for everyone.

By dignity, I mean an acceptable image of homosexuality, to be presented to society at large. Not "acceptable" in the sense of giving in to an opposing opinion, but in achieving a dignified composure that comes

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with a full understanding and acceptance of one's self. This means believing so strongly in a chosen way of life that outsiders must, albeit reluctantly, conclude that there are sufficient positive values to merit their tolerance.

This will be the first great step. The homophile who permits any feeling of inferiority to be foisted on him. by a critical society is losing a major battle and is contributing to the defeat of his fellows as well. I do not mean to imply, however, that this will be easy; I do not underestimate the difficulties encountered by an individual confronting a unified and hostile group.

Let me recall to your mind the "Stepin Fetchit" caricature of the Negro. You must be aware of how American Negroes have had to live down this image in their struggle for dignity and equality. The "Fagin" symbol has cost the Jews a great deal in their battle, too. Fortunately, these caricatures are fading rapidly, as indeed they must. Who could consider

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