the total lack of ordinary sexuality makes the chances of cure virtually hopeless. Where homosexuality has occured only under conditions where no women are available for long periods, but where women are in fact preferred, there is little therapeutic problem, though indulgence in homosexuality over a long period may exaggerate the sexual drive in that direction. Presumably some homosexuals are frightened out of overt sexual activity by punishment, or by the threat of it. But for many, such deterrents are ineffective. The most serious penalty is imprisonment, and it is not without the Gilbertian, touch to put the homosexual in an all male environment to teach him to control his desires. In fact prisoners often meet other homosexuals in gaol. Thus the wife of a homosexual who had been in prison complained that since her husband was freed the most dreadful men came to visit him, all of whom he had met while in prison.

What can be done to help the homosexual? In theory psychiatric treatment aims at a cure in the sense of enabling the patient to have sexual relations with a woman. In practice, this is a very difficult aim to achieve. In those who have always been completely homosexual, the chances of success are minimal. Peter Scott and Clifford Alfen, both very experienced psychiatrists, cite cases where it has occurred, but I have never seen any. In bisexuals, and in those cases where the fault lies in superficial psychological factors -the fear of V.D., an overstrict upbringing about sex, etc.-a swing to normality can be obtained, provided that the inhibitions can be overcome, and that a suitable and understanding partner is available. Some bisexuals are potent with either sex, but they are unlikely to come forward for treatment.

Gland therapy, in my opinion, can play no part in treatment. Male hormones increase sexual desire in men, but do not alter its direction. Female hormones inhibit sexual desire in men, so they can be used to aid self-control. They do not inhibit lesbian desires, nor change the direction of the sexual drive in women.

Often, the only treatment which the doctor or psychiatrist can give is to play the role of understanding counsellor and to help the homosexual in adjusting to his condition.

Homosexuals are often disappointed that this is all which can be offered. But, of course, homosexuality is not an illness, but a natural deviation of sexuality, and it is unlikely to benefit from therapeutic measures. Havelock Ellis went so far as to say that to attempt the cure of a complete homosexual would be as wrong as to attempt the reverse! While seeing what he means, it is hard to go all the way with Ellis in his argument for the real 'objection' to homosexuality is the unhappiness that goes in its wake. But his remark does illustrate the point that homosexuality is not 'unnatural', even

mattachine REVIEW

if it implies it is not generally curable. I should add that all psychiatrists would not be as guarded in their views about 'cure' as I am. But for those. who feel the therapeutic possibilities are small it is only logical to wish to see the implementation of the Wolfenden proposals.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

CALIFORNIA: One, Inc., 232 S. Hill St., Los Angeles 12; Daughters of Bilitis. Inc., 1232 Market St., San Francisco 2; Hollywood Assistance League, P.O. Box 29048, Hollywood 29; League for Civil Education, Inc., 1154 Kearny St., San Francisco 11.

MASSACHUSETTS: Demophil Center, 15 Lindall Place, Boston 14.

PENNSYLVANIA: Janus Society, P.O. Box 7824, Philadelphia 1. NOTE: The Mattachine Society, Inc., does not authorize the use of Its name, or recognize any other organization using the name of Mattachine Society in its title, nor does it vouch for the reliability of any other such group so named.

FOREIGN PUBLICATIONS

DER KREIS (The Circle)Published monthly since 1932 in French, German and English (no translation duplications); contains photos, illustrations and art reproductions, Rolf, editor. Annual subscriptions $11 first class sealed, Bank draft or cash to Lesezirkel Der Kreis, Postfach 547, Fraumunster, Zurich 22, Switzerland.

ARCADIE Monthly literary and scientific review in French. A. Baudry, editor. Subscriptions $9 per year. Address 74 Blvd. de Reuilly, Paris, XII, France

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