As for me me..

Dear Editor,

Once again ONE's editor has touched on a matter of tremendous significance to the homosexual community; namely, the importance of a positive attitude toward oneself and other homosexuals.

While we may find the homosexual disgusting who discriminates against his own people, he should be dismissed with the thought that his sole accomplishment is to detract from the lives of himself and others of his kind.

For maximum personal satisfaction homosexuals should regard their peculiarity in the same way they regard their left-handedness, or their brown or black hair as the case may be. Neither as something to be ashamed or proud of, merely as one of many personality traits.

Once that degree of maturity is achieved, the homosexual may become aware that he has something in common with others of his inclination which is not shared by the majority. He may find that when he meets another homosexual they need not be strangers for they share a way of life, even a whole world which outsiders scarcely know exists. He shares a strong sub-culture with all of its rewards and advantages, yet is able to "pass" unnoticed in the dominant society. In a sense he can "have his cake and eat it too."

But what are the rewards and advantages of the homosexual way of life? For one thing, a guy can stop for a beer or two and quickly get to know a handful of people; with any luck he can pick up an interesting bed partner at no expense whom he can forget about in the

morning if he wishes. He can "shack up" with a lover who may pay half of the expenses, and with whom he can part company any time he wishes without further obligation.

Is this not more satisfactory to many people than committing one's self for life and being forced to feed two or more mouths. being forced to live with and confine one's sexual contacts to one person "for better or worse." Men are naturally promiscuous and the "fidelity" demanded of husbands is often very frustrating.

Again, the homosexual can "have his cake and eat it too." He can, if he is mature and lucky, enjoy a relationship as rich and meaningful as any. And he can do so without the harsh restrictions, committments, and responsibilities heterosexuals usually submit to.

The homosexual is all too prone to dwell on the ostracism, discrimination, and prosecution he is often subjected to. But here again let's take another look. The discreet homosexual rarely if ever is subjected to unpleasantness if for no other reason than the fact that he is not usually "obvious." It is not good judgment to manifest one's sexual proclivities. whatever they are, in situations where the consequences are undesirable. It is usually apeing women, propositioning heterosexuals, indulging in sex in public places or similar foolish acts which cause trouble and not the condition of homosexuality itself.

It is the responsible homosexual who earns and demands respect and who selects his friends wisely who respects the rights of others not to associate with him if they choose. He knows that the acceptance or approval which is offered heterosexuals

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