invective and half-truths forced upon the public time and again by masters such as Lee Mortimer, for Mortimer, a more rococco neurotic, is at least amusingly colorful.
But I am concerned with the fact that Mr. Paar is still currently a Wholesome American Symbol to many across the land. These people blandly accept Paar's gospel, true or otherwise, with mouths open; babes accepting morning pablum. Generalizations like gossip, do not have to be remotely connected with truth to achieve their damaging purpose. Mr. Paar, though frequently embarrassing, IS an entertaining person and one who should not feel the necessity for stooping to common vulgarity to make a distorted point.
Mr. H.
New York, N. Y.
THE MASS MEDIA, CONTINUED Dear Mr. Slater:
On July 15, radio station WBAI-FM (New York City) aired a program called "Live and Let Live. Eight practicing homosexuals discussed the problem which they share in common: life in our present heterosexuallyoriented culture.
During the course of the program, one young man said something to the effect that most homosexuals tend to avoid the draft or duty in the armed services. Two panel members, I believe, further mentioned that they had actually informed their draft boards of their homosexual orientation so as to avoid military duty.
I have always wanted to know about homosexuality and the armed services, because I feel that many young homosexuals who read your Magazine are interested. I would like to suggest that you do an article on this topic. I am a new subscriber and it is, I realize, entirely possible that you have already done an article such as I am suggesting. Mr. P. Stroudsburg, Pa.
(See, Homosexual Servicemen," August, 1960-Editor.)
Dear Mr. Slater:
Thank you for your recent letter to Newsweek prompted by our July 30th article, "Minority Listening," about WABI-FM's program.
I read your comments with interest and brought your letter to the attention of our TV-radio editors who always welcome the views of our readers.
It was good of you to take the time to get in touch with us to share your thoughts as it is always a pleasure to hear from our readers. Joan Wharton
For the Editors, Newsweek
Dear Sir:
I did see the movie "Advise and Consent'' the entire homosexual content is twisted around and we are given a watered-down version of the book, with no implication that the Senator was queer (except vaguely, when he told his wife that their marriage had not been one of the best). In fact he smashed his friend down on the streetstones in disgust, stating that it happened only because of the war. His suicide appeared to be motivated more to save the Senate than by personal problems.
In "A Taste of Honey" the queer is abso lutely effeminate.
Sirs:
Mr. P.
Ghent, Belgium
Before returning to my native France (where I read and enjoy ONE very much) and where I am a prominent female impersonator, I do want to call your attention to a new motion picture which features one of your American impersonators in the role of a woman. In this picture, "La Poupee," I too play the role of a woman, although it is a small part.
In travelling through your east coast I am shocked at the attitudes of puritanism toward homosexuals and transvestites. In France, Germany and Scandinavia, as you must know, the attitude is different. For almost fifteen years now I have not ever gone through the farce of wearing men's clothes. In fact, the passport people have given me a passport as Miss, to avoid trouble with your immigration persons.
I now return to rehearse for appearances in a new revue somewhat like your "Jewel Box Revue," which I much enjoyed the other evening. We are to appear in cities throughout Europe, except Italy and Spain.
if it is not too bold of me, may I suggest more space in your valuable Magazine for people like myself who have more troubles than most homosexuals? The transvestite is not understood at all, even by my fellow homosexuals and lesbians.
RELIGION ANYONE?
Dear ONE:
Andrée M. Paris, France
The report of the Daughters of Bilitis Convention you printed in ONE Confidential certainly proves a point-that the clergy don't know what they are talking about. Would give a cookie to have at hand the remarks of the sophisticated Episcopalian," not to mention the solid Baptist. Confusion in their thinking AND their Christianity. They should do a bit of reading on the subject of Intention and do a short course on Thomistic
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