WHY A CHAPTER IN YOUR AREA?

One of our readers expressed the idea that THE LADDER is a constructive effort towards understanding of the homosexual problem, but questioned the validity of chapters of the Daughters of Bilitis in other cities.

"What would be the purpose?" she asks. "I wonder about your moetings."

A local chapter is to the Daughters of Bilitis as a municipal government is to the United States government. Only so much can be accomplished by the printed word; there must also be the spoken word, the personal contact.

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In the field of education there is much room for improving the knowledge of the Lesbian about herself, the problems of adjustment to self and society. The therapy of group discussion of mutual problems, of talking it over with those in similar circumstances, sannot be denied. Letters received by the Daughters from points far and wide certainly indicate a basic need for "someone to talk to". Public discussion meetings with outside speakers from the varied fields of psychology, law, employment and personnel, etc., can be of utmost benefit not only in disseminating another picture of the Lesbian 'to the public but also in giving the individual another slant toward solving her problem. Very often interested but uninvolved parties can point up a solution that those too close to a problem may tend to overlook.

Perhaps some individuals are able to cope with the problem alone. Wo doubt that this holds true for very many. There is merit in group activity and group discussion. Recently a well known San Prancisco psychologist said, "We wish to commend your group on the work they are doing. We are impressed with the high calibre of the people in the group. Keep up the good work. It is only through group activity and working together that the problems of the homosexual minority and society will ever bo rosolved."

"But try and make them see it!" I replied.

"You must," he insisted.

they'll come around."

"Just keep trying. Eventually

· Del Martin

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