with which he arrived, I surmi sod only his stubborn prido

had kept him away so long. to explain homo sexuality to so little about it myself.

I didn't know how I was going him, especially when I knew I did know that it was terri-

bly important that somehow I find the right words.

"Ricky," I confessed, "I really don't know a great deal more about homosexuals than you do, but let's sit down and see if we can sort of talk our way through to an understanding." Ricky agreed, and when we were comfortably seated I said, "First of all, I think you should know that all girls who dress in a masculine manner are not necossarily homo sexuals they may just find this clothing more comfortable. However, assuming that Ellis and Rusty are homosexuals, why should it be so important to you?"

--

"Aw nuts, it's not important to me," answered Ricky.

"Well," I insisted, "it must be, or you wouldn't shout 'hero como Mr. and Mrs. Queer' whenever you see them. you like that word?"

Ho answered mo rather sullenly, "All the guys say it. That's the word for those kind of people, and you know it."

Do

"No," I said, "I don't know that at all. I do know that it is the name we heterosexuals have given to them. We are the ones who have made it an ugly word. Tell me this," I continued, "would you like me to yell 'there goes the Wop' when you pass by?"

"Heck no!" he answered me vehemently, "I wouldn't like it at all."

"Well then, Rioky," and I was really getting warmed up now. "You are an Italian you know, yet you don't want a label. I feel very sure the only label homosexuals want is that of humen being.

the same emotions.

happy, sad, angry

feelings hurt.

You know, Rick, all people experience Ellis and Rusty can love, hate, bo

just as we do; they can also get their I'll never believe it is right for any human being to deliberately be cruel to another. When I first opened this store, you and your gang were going to

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