strength lies in their majority

But for the homosexual there is the problem of identification with a group which represents his partiular sexual orientation.

The homosexual's sexuality in fluences his choice of companions and often dictates his interests and hobbies. Whether by psychological patterning or environmental conditoning, the homosexual often finds himself

more intellectually aware and aesthetically appreciative than a cruss section of the heterosexuc! majority These inclinations then cause an outlook on life quite at varlance with the average citizen. His attitude toward life and his fellowmen is molded in accordance with the attitude he adopts toward his inversion. Often his reluctance to join with groups with a heterosexual majority is based on his super-sensitivity of his sexual aberration He may feel a resentment or hostility toward society which has failed to provide him with a group with which he can identify himself, and through which he can find acceptance and companionship

But there is essentially no hindrance to his joining various organizations except his own psycholo gical block. Were this block removed he would not only find it easier to identify himself with various civic religious, social or political groups, but he would become a more constructive member He would find satisfaction in working for a cause beyond the pale of purely personal and selfish interests.

But even with successful inte. gration into various groups which mean so much to him, there is still a definite lack in the homosexual's life. No one speaks for his sexual make-up. He finds no security in group identification and participa. tion for this part of his character Yet there are spokesmen for him. There 34

are organizations which speak for the homosexual man and woman One of these is the Mat:achine Society In it the homosexual can find the understanding and appreciation which he has longed for In it he may find the intellectual stimulation and social association to bring joy and a purpose to his life, and have his talents constructively used.

It is erroneous to assume that homosexuality finds expression only in sexual conduct. The outlook of the homosexual is often molded and patterned according to his sexuality. It need not be an influence on everything he thinks or does. But because of his attitude he often lets his sexual nature influence decisions in his life

For example, the average heterosexual would probably not come in contact with discriminatory laws abridging sexual relations and suffer from them And unless particularly interested in civil rights, he would probably not seek for the abolishment of some statute or the revision of others. Only as he comes in personal contact with these discriminatory laws does he feel any personal reason or obligation to work for a change in them. The homosexual group has a large majority who are often heard to say. If he lost his job or got himself in trouble, that is his own fault. It won't happen to me" Does the ar gument sound familia? Often no! until legal injustices strike at home. whether to the person himself or to someone near to him, does it become personally important. The argument that "it won't happen to me, is not realistic reasoning, nor does it speak well of an individual who claims that he lives for someone besides himsel! It is unfortunate that we as homosexuals, or as citizens in general so often, do not feel more keenly our personal re-

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mattachine REVIEW

sponsibility in promoting human understanding and combating infringement on civil rights.

The Mattachine Society then in its program of research and education serves an important position in society, as well as having an important place in the life of the homosexual. And it calls upon its members to shoulder the responsibility of "members of the human commu. nity" and bids them to integrate harmoniously and successfully into the main current of heterosexual society instead of attempting to withdraw into an invert society of their own It encourages its members to assume community responsibilities which would not only bring a sense of worthwhileness but which would convoy deeper interest and undertanding at the homosexual's role in society among heterosexuals. For only as homosexuals can make positive contributions to the general welfare can they expect acceptance and full assimilation into the community in which they live The homosexual can occupy an honorable and con-

structive position in society. We ho mosexuals know that a great many do. Through active service in the community he can have a rich and a satisfying life

The Mattachine Society brings to the homosexual the voice which he has long been in need of But the effectiveness of that voice depends upon the support of individuals. It is an organization which can bring challenge and purpose into one's life, that the individual may echo with the unknown homo. sexual who said:

"I believe in homosexuality as a way of life. I feel no sense of guilt or shame I know that I, as a homosexual, can be an asset to the community in which I live and a good citizen in the land which gave me birth I pledge my utmost to the task of securing equal rights for those of my people who merit and desire it

With these ideals I know that I can be happy, satisfied, well integrated individual whose life will merit the respect of mankind."

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