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versions, so-called; the data gather-es as all forms of mammalian behavior, and are thus as "natural" to man as any other forms of behavior he shares with his fellow mamals.

ed by biologists proves only that these proscribed forms of behavior stem from the same biological sourc

what price MEMBERSHIP?

A question which is often asked of the people in the Mattachine Society is "How many members do you have in your or ganization? The answer is very few. Probably no organization ever has enough.

It is true that the number of members is important. In the' first place, they are the chief source of income. Every organization knows that it takes money to provide a strong program of action and information. In the case of the Mattachine Society, this must necessarily be a long-term program. And, more than money, quality of membership will determine its achieve-

ments.

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No one would deny that the aims and objectives of the Mattachine Society are subject to very sensitive factors--which are; for the most part, uncontrollable by the organization itself.

The fears that people have of being associated with an organization concerned with the homophile and, his problems are not easily overcome. Many believe this could result in loss of jobs, being labeled as a homosexual, or the acquisition of a distasteful social stigma,

Often, too, a defeatist attitude is displayed. Some believe that any organization is bad, and that any dealing with homosexuality is doomed from the beginning. Nothing can be accomplished to improve the status of individuals within the com기 munity, so why try?

Perhaps we should be honest with ourselves. Only by proclaiming the truth can we hope to overcome the burden. of liv ing two lives at the same time. It might be a more positive approach to act to accomplish our ideals for the betterment of all persons.

Compared to the goals set, by the Society, membership is alarmingly small.

In reality, however, this small membership makes our job

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asier. We are not retarded by persons without the missionary eal to undertake the tasks that lie ahead. The members we. ave are secure, devoted individuals, willing to spend their ime and energy on behalf of the society. It's a role played ithout glory; faith in future accomplishment is the only re-

ard.

Because of this, membership in the Mattachine Society must ecessarily be reserved only for those unselfish few who are edicated to improying the welfare of the community in which hey live.--Chairman, Board of Directors

WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE MATTACHINE SOCIETY... By HAROLD SYLVESTER

(The following is an expression of of a Society member in Ohio. While much of what Writer Sylvester has stated here has, appeared in information material about the Society, nevertheless the REVIEW considers the fact that a member as far away from "home base" as he is deserves. recognition.)

Moral choice is my reason for becoming a member of the Mattachine Society. I most certainly believe in the aims and principles of the organization, finding them wholesome and ethical. Some of my convictions may help others. Not withstanding that a minority of homophiles may behave badly in various ways in public, we find that probably more than 12 million homosexuals in America are far from overt in their interpretation of their sexual nature. The press is guilty of gross cruelty when it prints sordid articles about overt behavior and attributes this to homosexuals as a whole. The Mattachine Society

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realizes that we cannot judge the 'many by the few. Readers of newspapers can and do get an impoverished picture of homosexuality. Judging wrongly because of poor background on the subject, the public' may think all homosexuals are institutional cases. Everybody needs enlighten-. ment on the subject, for there may be a homosexual on the job with you, living next door, or among your friends and acquaintances: It might be that, a 'son or daughter, brother or sister in your own family, or your oldest friend is a homosexual.

For hundreds of years—yes, centuries disdain and utter

cruelty have been the lot of There has the homophile. been no attempt in the past in Western civil law to ameliorate the fear and doubt in the homosexual heart. Society pays a dear price for this, be-'. cause homosexuals are prevented from contributing their best as citizens because of this attitude.

The Mattachine Society and its new magazine expect to reach enough people in time to help alter the prevailing ignorance. Homosexuals them-

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REVIEW