CALLING SHOTS

(Continued from page 2)

papers gave advance and follow-up notices on the program. Nationally, the most outstanding program ever preLife magazine announced it, and Varsented by this listener-sponsored teiety carried a lengthy review (see follevision station, but it does rank high lowing). TV Guide carried a full anamong those programs which drew fanouncement in its western regional edition. vorable comment from viewers, this

in spite of its taboo subject. Before FEAR OR SENSATIONALISM the end of a week after it was shown, WAS NOT NECESSARY

the program was responsible for several hundred letters (all but a very few-under 3%-favored the program, and many called for more on the subject), and orders poured in for some where near 400 copies of the transcript.

George Willey presented an advance review of the program (KQED mailed out almost 100 copies of the transcript before the show was televised) in Daily Palo Alto Times in which a colleague of his opposed airing anyThis reaction plus favorable menthing about homosexuality on TV betion in the regional press, gave what cause it was "highly inflammable" some have described as proof that it and "improper." But the program, Wilis time to examine the subject of holey declared, was neither.

"I congratulated Jon Rice (of the television staff) for considering so bold an undertaking," Willey said. "This subject needn't be as offensive or explosive as many seem to believe. Two years ago it was considered by KPFA-FM on a program which won a State Fair award."

mosexuality calmly, intelligently and objectively in all of our mass communications media. Why? Because it is evident that a vast number of people are either directly or indirectly concerned with this phenomenon of the natural sex instinct in mankind. In the words of Attorney General Stanley Mosk of California, whose letter (This 2-hour program, "The Homowas read on the program as an introsexual in Our Society," had three parduction, "With all the revulsion that ticipants which were also seen and some people feel toward homosexualheard on "The Rejected." And the ity, it cannot be dismissed by simply radio program has been presented over ignoring its presence. It is a subject Pacifica Foundation affiliates in Los that deserves discussion. We might Angeles (KPFK) and New York (WBAI) just as well refuse to discuss alcofor a total of at least five broadcasts.) holism or narcotics addiction as to After the telecast, Palo Alto Times refuse to discuss this subject. It caneditorialized, "KQED Illuminates not be swept under the rug. It will not Some Dark Corners." It said, in part: just go away by itself... "In our judgment the telecast did cast

Five San Francisco Bay Area news considerable light, with a series of

mattachine REVIEW

speakers discussing various aspects DISTINGUISHED PROGRAM, of the problem (without) sensationSAYS OAKLAND TRIBUNE alism

James Abbe in the Oakland Tribune stated that KQED's presentation was the first of a possible 55 National Ed-

"The program demonstrated that the problem is widespread, involving by one estimate one of every six American males for a prolonged period of ucational Television Network stations to do so (although it is not definitely his adult life.

"One startling fact brought to light established that all of these stations was that about 75 per cent of males will present it). "Distinguished exwith early infectious syphillis in San perts from the fields of medicine, anFrancisco and Los Angeles acquired thropology, religion, law, government their infections from other males. Dr. and business join members of the MatErwin Braff, director of the San Frantachine Society to present their views cisco Bureau of Disease Control, on the problem." pointed out that programs of education about venereal disease, such as in the military, generally neglect to warn of this danger.

In the news pages of San Francisco Chronicle next morning after the program, selected quotes were published: A Mattachine spokesman: "Whether "The often-mentioned but seldomwe like it or not, (the homosexual) is explained Mattachine Society seemed in our midst and in large numbers... less sinister. Its leaders asserted it he is constantly fired from Federal is not an organization for homosexual jobs as a security risk, and unable contacts, but a group that aims to help to serve in the armed forces if detectits own members with counsel and ed... but more than that the overwhelmlegal advice and to create greater pubing majority of homosexuals are unlic understanding and acceptance of happy with what they are." their problems.

Dr. Karl Bowman, psychiatrist: "It "Two clergymen took the position is extremely difficult to treat most hothat while homosexuality is immoral, mosexuals, and change can occur onit should be treated as a psychologicly if they want it.” al illness rather than as a crime. Al Bendich, attorney: "If we tried "Listener-sponsored educational to enforce the law we would turn the TV is a good medium for airing such country into a jail if not a lunatic a touchy subject, one most sponsors asylum."

would avoid. Viewers who find the Rabbi Alvin Fine: "God does not matter too revulsive can turn the dial. require the destruction of the evil doer, A late-evening telecast time aids pabut rather the correction of the evil." rents in preventing youngsters from Episcopal Bishop James A. Pike: hearing discussion they may deem un"We do not classify all persons with suitable. KQED handled the sensitive this condition as sinners." subject skillfully.”

韫