We might consider ourselves as part of a liberal, modern movement towards the greater personal freedom of mankind-the freedom to love whom we choose, and in what way we choose. This freedom has been carelessly omitted from the Bill of Rights of which America is so proud-nor did President Roosevelt include it among his Four Freedomsyet it could be called the Fifth Freedom-and it should be, for it is the most important of all-not only to us, but to everyone else in this world!

Ours is a dangerous minority. In no other group are the members so dependent on each other for approval, for we are, basically, constantly trying to impress and gain each other's love. Each one of us, therefore, is a strong influence on the entire group. Most of us are not what we are because we have to be, but because we choose to berather than conform to a pattern with which we are incompatible. We attract converts from all walks of life; we are potentially, a majorityA majority justifiably feared, not only by others but by ourselves-for in the hands of any leader-we have the power to create chaos in this Nation. For the most obvious among us are unstable, yes, sadly enough, the most obvious are the dishonest ones, the unreliable ones-as is shown by the hundreds of black marks against us in the Nation's prisons.

It is through personal contact that our movement gains its greatest strength-more than from books, films, articles, we can contribute to our acceptance by the favorable impression we create create among other people. One day we hope it will be possible for us to say out loud "I am a homosexual!" When that day comes, we can expect the world to accept us only if we carry ourselves in an acceptable manner.

Ours is a great responsibility-to the world-to preserve, protect, and improve the fundamental principles of liberty, tolerance, and morality which have been handed down by the world's religious and philosophical leaders, to guard against fascism and intolerance within our group, to ostracise and discourage at all points the elements in our midst which might harmfully influence adolescents-for we must not be known as a group of children experiencing a new thrill, but adults who have freely chosen a way of life they prefer. Among ourselves we must assume the responsibility of eliminating delinquent, wayward behavior in the maladjusted members of our group with as strong methods as possible without the use of violence. We must preserve our moral behavior to the dictations of the Ten Commandments, with particular stress on the laws pertaining to dishonesty, adultery, respect of others, and the respect of God as our only idol-rather than the worship of materialism, debauchery, or sex.

If these words seem foolish, it is best to remember that for every one of us that commits a mistake, a hundred others are forced to prove that they are not also in error.

Let us make our name a good name, a sober name, one which we can speak proudly. Let us prove ourselves worthy of Freedom-the Fifth Freedom!

CARLE

Reprinted from October, 1955, ONE Magazine because of its still valid appropriateness. "Carle" is the pen name of a well-known author of lesbian fiction. Another lesbian comment, next page.

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