Panel Discussion

ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

During the Fourth Annual Convention of the Mattachine Society, Inc., in San Francisco last September, one of the highlights of the program was a panel discussion on "Homophile Organizations and Publications in the United States Today". In her usual lucid style, here is the report on that discussion by THE LADDER's Los Angeles correspondent, Sten Russell. ED.

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Helen Sanders, president of the Daughters of Bilitis, Ino., said she had been asked many times, "Why a separate organization for women?" The question appeared to need answering one more time, In the first place, the original founders of the Daughters of Bilitis were unaware of the existence of ONE,Inc., and Mattachine Society, Inc. This knowledge might not have altered anything, however, as the women of the Bay Area seemed to prefer a separate organization, and still do. Some of the DOB members also belong to Mattachine and ONE, but some would belong to no other homophilic organization. The membership is open to all women over 21 years who have a gônuine interest in the problems of the female homophile and the related problems of other minorities.

In referring to the history of the organization, sho said, "Eight women got together in the Fall of 1955 with an idea: that something should be done about the problems of Lesbians, both within their own group and with the public." She added that originally the group was an outlet for social activities, but that discussions became increasingly broader and more serious and the organization was formed with the "purpose" as set forth on the inside cover of THE LADDER.

parties, picnics,

There is a variety of activities: brunches, Gab 'n Java sessions, meetings for members only and Discussion Meetings every month which are open to the general public. There are 55 members, most of whom live She ended her report with a review of

in the Bay Area.

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