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A Saturday night discussion group held August 10th on "Permanent Relationships" and 'Homosexual Marriage" proved so successful that this special chapter will meet every Saturday night from now on.
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A gratifying turnout of 17 members and guests attended the meeting. The subject elicited absorbing personal histories which drew extensive questions and commenta The special problems of female homosexual relationships received particular emphasis. The discussion touched on anumber of types of permanent relationships: (1) between two unmarried homosexuals who demand fidelity; (2) between two unmarried homosexuals who allow occasional straying; (3) between a legally married couple both of whom are homosexuals; and (4) between a homosexual and a person who is legally married to a heterosexual mate.
The group agreed that both economic and social pressures usually operate to keep a heterosexual married couple together, but to drive a homosexual couple apart. Nevertheless, a joint investment in a home and furnishings may prompt a homosexual as well as a heterosexual couple to keep trying" in spite of quarrels and infidelities.
The problem of infidelity was admitted to be a crucial one, possibly more so for the homosexual couple than for the heterosexual because of the lesser emotional stability of the first. The practice of frequenting gay bars was declared highly detrimental to the average homosexual relationship. In brief, the group reminded one another that any monogamous relationship, whether heterosexual or homosexual, calls for selfdiscipline, as, unfortunately, falling in love does not automatically remove the attractiveness of everyone other than the beloved. Emotional maturity is thus the key to a lasting relationship, for it renders a person capable of withstanding temptations to promiscuity in order to achieve a superior joy, the blessings of a shared life and true love.
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A Research Educational Seminar to be held on September 18 will have as its subject: #1 Proper Terminology. "We have all come across words used both in professional and lay publications and talks to which we as individuals have taken violent exception. Twelve of these words have been selected in an effort to come to some sort of agreement as to their proper usage, We request that those who intend to participate in the seminar work up from professional, scientific, and regular sources the meanings, etymology, emotional context, etc., of the following words for the discussion:
Deviation Illness Inversion
Homosexual Masculine & Feminine Natural
Normal Pederasty Perversion Sodomy
The Roman Catholic Group met for the first time on August 11th. The meeting was basically organizational. This group is to be devoted solely to the homosexual problem as it affects the Roman Catholic.
A short new play concerning women and Lesbianism by Carle (author of stories in ONE and the Dutch publication VRIENDSCHAP) was given a reading at the last meeting of the theater group. Casting has been completed but the performance is as yet unscheduled.
The scene from "The Green Bay Tree" which had been announced for the August
meeting has been deferred till fall. At that time, the well-known Broadway actor, Edgar Franken, assisted by Anthony Cox, will present a scene from the first act and, according to repeated requests, will give again the same scene from the second act that proved so tremendously successful last spring.
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SETTLING: Like the pioneers, the Pilgrims, and other Americans, "We've found us a home!" Building it up and keeping it clean will take more than the money a few enthusiastic members can provide, more than the brooms and wax and paint and elbow grease already put into it. Discussion groups and activities are on the increase, interest is on the upgrade. The new office is in constant use. All who wish to participate will benefit by the improvements we can make upon the property in terms of more relaxing, functional surroundings... to say nothing of the way the appearance of our office presents us to the world!
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A Coke machine is being investigated as a possible feature for pauses that refresh in the new office. The chair problem was attacked at the last Public Relations meeting by asking for "pledges. "Eighteen chairs were pledged 'twas almost like a revivalist meeting with people arising and making pledges. The exact cost is being investigated, should be around $2.50 each. Two dozen more chairs will be needed however, and no one has yet volunteered to put up the money for these. Pledges for chairs should be addressed to the Public Relations Chapter; the matter is urgent since the chairs should be bought all at once in order to qualify for a quantity discount and present seating is highly inadequate. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: On Saturday, November 5th: a Movie Cafe Night, presenting MAE WEST at her best. At 8:30, Yugoslav Hall, 405 West 41st Street. This will be a regular full-length movie; no admision charge, the atmosphere will be informal. You'll be able to sup your coffee or beer while watching a movie.
Future plans for full-length movies include American and foreign films that have appeared through the years which contain homosexual themes. We do not know if these films will be available, but we certainly intend to find out!
A "college-type" adult-education course on Philosophy and Science begins in September at Mattachine headquarters (see Calendar). This will be a serious course, on university level, and we hope that the many philosophers in our group plan to enroll. Brooms, brushes, paint ash trays, all the trappings of a new office are still desperately needed! Further details on painting parties and clean-up combines were worked out at the PR meeting, so any interested individual need not allow confusion to hinder him or her from volunteering for these details... any member will be able to point out the head of some task force ready to spring into organized action. Please come and help us.
The second discussion on "Homosexuals and Perverts" is scheduled for September. This important topic requires the attention of everyone interested in correcting false impressions among lay persons as to the proper meaning and relationship between the homosexual and the pervert. We hope a large group will attend.
DO BORROW BOOKS FROM OUR LIBRARY but be sure to return them promptly. Mattachine is more than happy to reserve a special book for you and for a few cents, which supply our only income with which to buy more books, you can be well read on the topic of homosexuality. Many books in the library do not have homosexuality as
a topic however, and if you like to read about other things, we're sure there's just the perfect book for you on our shelves,