sume a more reasonable attitude toward homosexual acts in those countries which still have the threat of punishment in their statutes. So far they have not succeeded in breaking through the vicious circle of law and public opinion.

even

Obviously, nobody can turn back two and a half millenia The great achievements of the human spirit and human emotions, which have been accomplished during this period, and which perhaps have been made possible partly by limiting a choiceless sexual promiscuity, should not go unnoticed including the atom bomb. The ideals of freedom in human relations and of justice have a place here. These ideas should not constantly bow to the primitive subjugation of prejudice, or all progress will become an absurdity. In the end, prejudices are much more dangerous than the themselves, the instincts latter can always be channeled into productivity without bias being necessary. Prejudice, how-

ever, cannot be channeled anywhere but into fighting, war, persecution, sadism and illness. Laws have to yield to enlightenment, reason and true justice. They will have to screen out ancient moral traditions and prejudices They will have to examine again and again their reality contents. They will have to be careful not to give old prejudices fresh fodder and supply them with newly constructed justifications. They must prevent unnecessary suffering and harm. Homoerotic behavior has always been, is, and will remain in all likelihood. Why fight against it constantly? Why deny its actual and widespread existence? Why not, instead, render it useful for the sake of all?

I will conclude with a word by Chesterton (re-translated from the German): "This is the monstrous modern heresy: to change the soul of man in order to adjust it to imposed obligations, instead of changing the human obligations in order to adjust them to the human soul."

New Format

MATTACHINE REVIEW in its October issue adopted a new format Growth of the magazine during the past three years has dictated an expansion of its editorial staff, a graduation into profession al format, and a higher level of editorial content. New officers of the Mattachine Society have laid plans whereby the magazine will keep pace with the growing organization of laymen and professional people seriously at work in seeking truths about human sex behavior and presenting this knowledge to the American public for the bencfit of society as a whole.

This means that more than ever the magazine-as well as the organizationis dependent upon the continued and expanded support of members, readers, friends and other interested persons everywhere Without such help neither the Review nor the organization for which it speaks would be possible.

mattachine REVIEW

Peruvian Riders

Are these the dashing dandies In silk robes and perfume. The over-ripened meeklings. Once lust's devoted grooms'

Are these the fragile wastrels Who once in jasmine plots Had drowned their souls in pleasure And crowned that pleasure god'

How angry, cleansed, they've shattered Their crippling chains to ride

To death's humble acre Where only laurels thrive.

Their country's cry has kindled Their soul with freedom's song. And purged the hearts with fire That were let sleep too long.

From "Song of Bolivar. Junin's Victory." by

Jose Joaquin Olmedo (ca. 1815)

Translated by Bernardo Franco.