department store, including its super-

market.

In between the buildings are the outdoor floral displays of the public parks, and many of them are arranged in the shape of the twin triangles, our homosexual symbol. It is interesting to see this symbol everywhere, painted or carved in low relief on walls, or standing as a three-dimensional emblem, or woven into our banners. And, of course, every homosexual man and woman wears this symbol proudly, on the lapel, or as a necklace, or displayed in some other conspicuous way. I am glad this particular symbol was chosen. Each triangle, standing on one

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of its points with its long base rising vertically, would be unstable by itself (like a lonely homosexual) were it not attached to the other one at the apex, but joined in this way they give stability to each other by forming a single new figure. Notice also that the two triangles must be identical in shape (referring to the similarities between any two homosexual friends), and that this symbol applies equally well to men and women, having nothing specifically sexual about it.

The Society's major purposes are listed in their excellent pamphlet given to each person becoming a member. The first purpose mentioned is SPECIAL EDUCATION. This means educating the general public and also homosexuals about themselves. This

was listed first only because historically it was at one time the most important need. Now it is hardly necessary, but the Society still gives classes in History of Homosexuality, Famous Past Theories, Eastern and Western Techniques.

The second objective, GENERAL EDUCATION, is more important. This started years ago as

a free program to compensate for the educational handicap many homosexuals found themselves with, due to lack of money or lack of time when young or perhaps due to feelings of inferiority that used to hold back many homosexuals in every aspect of their lives. This program has evolved into a full-fledged university, now offering an excellent curriculum, and cooperating rather than competing with the other fine universities and cultural institutions of the Great City. I personally look forward to the Group Excursions. Every weekend there is a variety of these trips to choose from, to museums, historical landmarks, to the country, to sports events, and so on. Some groups are all male, some all female, and others are mixed, depending on the activity planned. In this way an informal process of education is combined with pleasure of socializing.

The third service offered by the Society, called LOCAL INFORMATION, is also a kind of education. It is the confidential printed matter each homosexual may read on arriving in an unfamiliar city. It is especially valuable in this Great City itself. It lists not only the points of interest but also the "informal gay gathering places." So many homosexuals live here that they overflow the necessarily limited quarters of the Society, even though it has local branches in parts of the city. So there are certain restaurants, arcades, or parks where homosexuals are more likely to gather, somewhat reminiscent of the old-fashioned "gay bars" or "gay parks"

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