PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEETS DOB, MATTACHINE

The Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis had the distinot opportunity and pleasure of meeting and entertaining a group of professional people at the headquarters of both organizations in San Francisco June 9.

Officers of the two societies presented a resume of the aims and programs of their groups and then opened the meeting to a question and answer session.

One of the questions, which has often been asked of us, is why the necessity for two organizations. Helen Sanders, president of the Daughters, explained that the DOB was formed before the group knew anything at all about either ONE, Inc., or the Mattachine Society and that both of these organizations had much difficulty in attracting women as members and workers. To date it has proved far more satisfactory to have a separate women's organi zati on.

Another point which was brought up by several of the visitors was the marked approval of the use of the word "homophile" as opposed to "homosexual" in both our publications and discussions. It was felt that the use of the word "homophile" would produce a more favorable and constructive reaction from the general public; that as soon as "homosexual" is used there is a marked reaction of a negative tone.

The group was definitely a cross-section of professional people including teachers, social workers, librarian, chiropractors, psychiatrist, nurses, engraver, buyer for a department store, etc. It was noted that these people were quite receptive to the program presented although many had no previous, or little, knowledge of the subject.

Dr. Blanche Baker, San Francisco psychiatrist, arranged the meeting of the three groups.

Both Mattachine and

the Daughters are indeed grateful to her.

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