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The first time it happened (in December) I wrote it off to chance; the second time. I called it careless selection; and the third time (with an upper middle class medical student) I was at a complete loss for

reasons.

For myself I've sworn off the anal-genital bit-I couldn't take the embarrassment of another infection.

Dear Sirs:

Mr. D. R. O. Chicago, Ill.

I agree with you on the principle that it should be unethical for a homosexual to allow public health officials to gain knowledge which may tend to harm other persons. However, if the effect of forbidding homosexuals to use use public health clinics results in an increase in VD, then I feel that this action may not be justified.

One answer to to the problem would be for ONE to send to all persons on its mailing lists a pamphlet or mimeographed letter dealing with ethics and VD. Such a publication might include: a statement of the policy outlined in the Nov. Confi, a brief but thorough description of the common venereal diseases, a list of doctors known to provide ethical treatment for persons with a homosexually derived venereal infection.

Such a project would, no doubt, be rather expensive and the cost might have to be borne by the Friends of ONE under the heading of public service. If the program resulted in a reduction in the incidence of VD among homosexuals, and, incidentally, in a lessening of the misuse of homosexuals by public health officials, then surely the cost would be justified. I suspect that one of the most valid complaints about homosexuals is that they are frequently carriers of VD.

Gentlemen:

Mr. R. D. W. Troy, N.Y.

I am gay and quite average. It is the subject of VD in the Nov. O. C. that prompts this letter. Twice in my life I have been called on the carpet of the Public Health Dept. as having been in contact with, and I quote we do not care whether it was a man or woman, the fact is that you have been exposed to one having VD."

The first encounter with the PHD was about six years ago in Oakland; the second was last November and this time with the Berkeley PHD. (Ironically, in both cases there had not been any sexual contact other than sharing the same bed.) In both instances cooperated with the PHD fully, and was treated in a most gracious way.

Smugness, however, is is not one of my traits. As you state, the PHD anywhere

using the tactics you describe is defeating its own purpose and should be exposed. Therefore, I would like your reaction to the suggestion that I (and any others elsewhere) make copies of said editorial for distribution. to PHD agencies in this area. Incidentally, Consumers Reports, Oct., '63, had a very informative article on VD.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Mr. L. D. S. Berkeley, Calif.

The fact is, Mr. L. D. S., having only slept in the same bed with these two men your name is now on record at both the Oakland and Berkeley health centers as a known practicing homosexual, and this record is available to practically any investigating body including the police. We repeat for the benefit of The New York Mattachine, D. R. O., R. D. W., L. D. S., and every reader of ONE: 1. There is absolutely no evidence that homosexuals are more frequently carriers of VD than their heterosexual brothers. 2. Private physicians are just as capable of diagnosing and treating VD as public clinics and are more likely to limit their attention to curing the disease. 3. Public records are public records, and whenever, if ever, they are needed for the "welfare of the community" they will be handed over. The question has been tested and settled.

SIDE NOTES

Gentlemen:

Here's a little side note: after reading ONE I pass it on to my friends for their assistance in a more complete understanding and reading enjoyment. During the Holiday week last Xmas, I

was

over to a friend's home for a little "cheer" and saw a copy of ONE dated Aug. '63. You should have seen the condition the publication was in-grease spots, thumb-worn, torn, and scotch-taped. I asked. "How many have read this copy?" "Twelve, that I know of," was my friend's reply.

Gentlemen:

Mr. C. H. R. Tucson, Arizona

Having been a member or subscriber ever since the inception of ONE, I find that I am now not renewing my subscription.

In October, 1962, I was visited illegally at my place of work by two men from the post office department. As a result, thanks to a completely non-understanding employer, I was forced to resign. Only this past January was I able to secure full-time employment, and it will be at least two years before I will feel able to relax completely in the position.