an open letter to

Mr. and Mrs. America

or the child of a relative is directly

You have a "stake" and should affected. That's what often happens

have a concern in the research, education and social action projects of the Mattachine Society, Inc.

The tragedy, frustration and misunderstanding surrounding varied emotional and sexual orientation in today's' generations can be largely avoided if parents are aware of causes and conditions of such var iation. We may even soon learn WHAT the causes are, and thus prevent much confusion and unhappiness in tomorrow's children.

Homosexuality is seldom as far away from us as many believe. Not until the fact that it exists is better known and understood can the problem be coped with in the family-the place where love and intelligent understanding can do most to relieve the burdens of guilt; fear, and emotional stress. These are the things which cause serious difficulty for those sons and daughters who, for one reason or another, may not develop the strong heterosexual drives which we have perhaps too long mistakenly defined as "normal" to the exclusion of all else.

when someone is found to be homosexual, for instance. After all, some 15 million Americans probably prefer such sexual expression, and many. of them face serious problems of adjustment and self-acceptance, because they are helpless to stem the compelling drive, and fearful of exposing this fact of their nature to anyone who might help-or rebuke— them.

No revolutionary abandonment of social, moral, legal or ethical codes is proposed by the Mattachine Society. But an enlightened approach to this growing problem is demanded in the U. S. today. Therefore, as experts in the field have so clearly pointed out, an evolutionary, critical examination of our real behavior must be made and compared to bur "surface standards". age to change and discard the prejudice, bigotry, ignorance and atțitudes found wanting if they impede human social progress.

with the cour-

To be open-minded and fair is an American characteristic. To apply this attitude to the sex behavior problem is another way of permitting our democratic process to increase the happiness of humanity.

A letter to the Mattachine Society

Without sensation, but with a serious determination to perform a vital public service, the Mattachine Society has dared to explore the unknown in this challenging field of will bring information telling how human behavior. Your interest in you can improve your understanding this work is solicited. It may save and aid this work by reading,^.atthe shocking impact accompanying tending public discussion groups, a revelation that a member of your participating in research projects family, close friend or associate, and giving financial help.