ance . . . but it is curiosity and interest. That alone is a step forward.

Literature has done much with the reading public to focus some ray of understanding. It is true many trashy pocketbook novels are written, inevitably with suicide or "finding the light to heterosexuality" endings, which deter, rather than further acceptance. But the Ann Aldrich series, Claire Morgan's "Price of Salt," and even several of the recent celebrity biographies about relationships between renowned women, has created a sober interest among readers in lesbianism, not as a sideshow, but a way of life.

Lesbianism is finding its way into the public eye. It is interesting now to see how far Hollywood has gone with the film adaption of Lillian Hellman's "Children's Hour." Sartre's "No Exit" has been done at least a half a dozen times in New York City off-Broadway houses and showcase productions as well as on WNTA's "Play of the Week." Even "Auntie Mame," both stage and screen versions, had, unfortunately again, a stereo-type truck-driver dyke in the party scene. Every infrequent showing of the French film "Pit of Loneliness" plays to packed and interested audiences.

I wish I had an immediate solution that would make it easy for all of us. Much greater minds than mine are at a loss with this delicate subject. It is easy to say to our "invisible" colleagues, "Don't hide it. Make them respect you for what you are." But we all know this is implausible and impossible. This country would shortly have very gay unemployment lines.

The two major issues John Q. Public has yet to accept are, 1. We won't seduce their children, and 2. We are capable of lasting relationships. I don't believe the percentage of our society that has taken advantage of youngsters is as large as the

percentage of heterosexuals who have raped young girls. But the second part is not so much fallacy.

Our relationships are more fleeting, less substantial than a heterosexual marriage. This, I believe, is simply and totally because of the secretive pressure we are constantly under. It is difficult to hide constantly any love and keep it in flower.

Our relationships are often principally physical ones . . . because we are not allowed to bring them out of the bedroom. Our marriages, which are just as sacred to us as any religious ceremony, are constantly harrassed by "Be careful how you look at me in public," "Uncle John's coming to visit, push the beds apart so he won't suspect," "We can't buy a house together, how will I explain it to my folks," "Make sure you kiss Ed good-night, so he won't think anything's funny," "Don't wear your matching little-finger ring when you drop by the office today, someone might notice," and on and on. Is it any wonder that we fight violently and frequently and a five-year relationship is considered extra-ordinary? It's a miracle we all aren't on constant sedation for a nervous condition.

I have seen many life-long happy marriages between girls who happen to be fortunate enough to work in fields where homosexuality is frequent and completely accepted. The theatre, some phases of advertising, public relations, press agenting, writers, artists and illustrators, all are fortunate in the acceptance of their cohorts. They have to be careful only with outside acquaintances and family, who generally label them "strange," or "perpetual old maids."

We have, on the whole, made tren.endous strides the past few years. If the influx of good lesbian litera ture, plays, and films continue to build, we may find ourselves not too far in the future, not just tolerated, but accepted, "ducks" and all.