Published bi-monthly by the Daughters o f r r s T Bilitis, Inc., a non-profit corporation, 1005 / / / Market Street, Room 208, San Francisco, _/ M M 'j SIXTH BI-ENNIAL CONVENTION California 94103. AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF BILITIS, INC. VOLUME 14.No. 7 and« / APRIL/MAY, 1970 PLACE: NEW YORK CITY NATIONAL OFFICERS, DAUGHTERS OF BILITIS, INC. TIME: JULY 10,11 and 12 - 1970 President...... RitaLaporlc Complete information on registration and program has been mailed to you Vice President, Ea.sl ...... Joan Kent separately. Vice President, W e s t...... Jess K. Lane EVERY MEMBER WHO CAN SHOULD ATTEND THE CONVENTION. Treasurer...... Leona Mac- Chapter Presidents are also inrliided on The Board The New York Chapter of DOB is going all out to make this the most memorable weekend of your life. THE LADDER STAFF In addition to the entertainment provided at the Convention — the General Editor ...... Gene Damon Assembly meetings determine the next two years of life for DOB. Production Assistants ...... Lyn Collins, Kim Slaliinski, THIS ISSUE CONTAINS A PROXY BALLOT FOR YOU TO USE IF YOU King Kelly, Ann Brady CANNOT ATTEND THE CONVENTION. If you do not have a friend whom Production E ditors...... Rohin and Dana Jordan Secretary to the Editor ...... Tracy Wright you wish to carry your vote to the convention, you may send your proxy to CONVENTION PROXIES, c/o RITA LAPORTE, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, THE LADDER is regarded as a sounding board for various points of view on the DOB, 1005 MARKET STREET, ROOM 208, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. komophile and related subjects, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of 94103. the organization except such opinions as arc specifically acknowledged by the organization. A purpose of the April/May 1970

IN THIS ISSUE: 0^ B ILITIS Women’s Coalition by Jess K. Lane ...... 4 Lesbian Life in England by Vat Vanderwood...... h W'omen’s Wing short story by Jocelyn Hayward...... 9 A WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING THE Uses of Sexual Guilt by James ( ’olton ...... Li INTEGRATION OF THE HOMOSEXUAL INTO SOCIETY BY: Poetry Patricia Michaels, Michiko Yamaguchi, Gabriellc /Muiré, Martha Shelley, Celia Leman, Carol Cunliffe ...... 14 1. Education of the Lesbian, enabling her to understand herself and to make Masquerade by Dorothy L yle ...... her adjustment to society in all its social, civic, and economic Lesbiana by Gene Damon ...... implications — by establishing and maintaining a library of both fiction Personal File: The Trans.sexual Experience and non-fiction literature on the sex deviant theme; by sponsoring public by Karl Friesen ...... meetings on pertinent subjects to be conducted by leading members of Before the Gap Becomes a (.hism by Fen Gregory ...... - ‘ the legal, psychiatric, religious and other professions; by providing the Lesbian a forum for the interchange of ideas within her own group. Ecclesiastes Be Damned episode by Patricia Michaels...... - Lesbian Literature in 1969 6v Gene Damon ...... - 2. Education of the public, developing an understanding and acceptance of Cross C urrents...... the Lesbian as an individual, leading to an eventual breakdown of Readers Re.spond ...... \ . erroneous taboos and prejudices — by public discussion meetings and by Whatever Happened to Sally? by Del Martin ...... ^ dissemination of educational literature on the Lesbian theme. A Brother’s Viewpoint by jack Stroud ...... “ 3. Encouragement of and participation in responsible research dealing with Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright by Jane Alden ...... homosexuality. Cover: “Mermaids” by F. Landi, Statue in [.ark adjacent to the Cleveland 4. Investigation of the penal code as it pertains to the homosexual, Museum of Art. proposing and promoting changes to provde an equitable handling of Copyr^ht ¡970 by Daughters o f Bilitis, Inc., San Francisco, California cases involving this minority group through due process of law in the state legislatures. 2nd BAY AREA i sexuality and women’s and men’s diverse erotic needs and feelings. This is par­ 3. Easily accessible information and WOMEN’S COALITION CONFERENCE ticularly true among the young who reject literature on Lc.sbianism in the the typing of people sexually, do not see Center library and other information variation as “deviant,” and are con­ .sources it may make available. Report by Jess K. Lone sequently not fearful of their own or 4. Non-judgmental referral to suitable others’ sexuality as their elders may have advisers for girls and women feeling In tebmary the Second Bay Area know the extent to which men, and some been. Alice commented: “Homosexuality is Lesbian impulses and needing Women’s Coalition Conference brought to­ women, throw this “charge” about, intimi­ 99% cultural.” She found that traditionally guidance. gether a dozen or more groups and organi­ dating wives and girlfriends who fear to lose “the homosexual community has been highly It would take far more space than THE zations concerned with different aspects of “their men.” Commenting that the argu­ conservative ” — a pattern that was broken LADDER has available to do justice to the women’s liberation. The conference was ment is as silly as the one that attempts to with the advent of the Gay Liberation Conference as a whole. Like the first one, it held in Gresham Hall of Grace Cathedral in undermine all radical or reform movements Movement, at first predominantly male. was outstanding in its blending of good San Francisco, with about 200 women in the U.S. hy labeling them communist-in­ Alice told of her contacts with this group in organization with informality, and the con­ participating. The age spread appeared to be spired or dominated, Pat responded: If the the Bay Area and of seeing the need for a ciseness and brevity of the many speakers, from teens to seventies, with the majority feminist movement is “nothing but a bunch like openness for Lesbians. Informally, ten many of whom packed dynamite charges of probably in their twenties and thirties. of Lesbians,” then why on earth arc we or twelve women who fell this need came activity and information into ten- and Subjecls reported on and discussed collectively working so hard for child care tc^ether to explore their situation. “Now fifteen-minute pre.sentations. “Leaders” and ranged from repeal of abortion laws and centers and abortion law change? To the there are 35 of us in Women’s Gay Libera­ “leadership” were not stressed but rather action taken, through the endless spectrum “charge” itself, we ought all to say. So what! tion here.” Closing her effective talk, Alice played down, with interchangeable chair­ of job discrimination, what is being done to “To spend time answering it is a waste of Molloy said, “I was going to do something women or spokeswomen for the various promote child care to release young effort. . . there is so much that can unite here, but was told it might not be advi.sable groups or activities. The aim throughout the mothers; International W omen’s Day; us as women — so many areas where we can ...” As she paused and smiled over the Women’s Liberation .Movement is to en­ women’s centers in Los Angeles and San work together — so let’s get on with it.” audience, one could sense a feeling of courage every participating woman to de­ Francisco; and peripheral matters. Of par­ This approach makes sense, she said, if only expectation: the women present wished her velop her own initiative — and initiatives — ticular interest to LADDER readers was the because most aware Lesbians and non-Les­ to go on. After a silence Alice said, “111 tell and to act and .serve wherever needed. In late aftern o o n panel discussion of bians alike know that they are more dis­ you what I had in mind — and leave it to naming the following spokeswomen, there­ Lesbianism with representatives of NOVA, criminated against because they are women you. 1 was going to ask if every woman in DOB and Gay Women’s Liberation partici­ fore, let it be undeistood that another than for any other reason. This is especially the hall who had ever felt she could be member of the group mentioned may be pating. This inclusion on the program was so as women work and reach towards more erotically attracted to another woman taking the respon.sibility on another oc­ an advance over the first Caucus held last rewarding and higher paying jobs and re­ would care to stand up.” After the electric casion. Victoria Sclmicr of NOW launched auturrm when Lesbians were kept invisible sponsible positions, in whatever field. statement the .silence was tensely felt. the Conference with brief comments and as far as the program was concerned — until The spokeswoman for NOVA, who did Several women stood, including your re­ the demand from the floor that DOB introduced the participants in the morning not identify herself by name, acknowledged porter. A few more slowly followed. Then, session. These were: Del Martin (co-founder National President Rita Laporte be asked to the “fear” of Lesbianism that many women like a dam bursting, practically every of DOB) who gave a moving eulogy for the give a report on the work of her organi­ feel and express, but declared, “We suffer zation. woman of the 200 or so in the hall was on late Inka O’Hanrahan, a long-time worker the same discrimination that all women her feet. Since the majority undoubtedly for women’s place in the sun and a friend of The Lesbian panel, climaxing the Con­ must face. We feel that we can legitimately thought of themselves as “straight” and Lesbians, according to Miss Martin; Dari ference’s afternoon session with time allot­ claim to be your sisters in the movement.” Gillespie who spoke for the Sociology ted from 3:00 P.M. to 3:40 P.M. plus were living heterosexual lives, this could be She said that NOVA leaned rather to the Caucus, University of California at twenty minutes for discussion from the seen as an expression of acceptance and social than the sociological, however, pro­ audience, proved a climax indeed, and sisterly solidarity, beautiful in its spon­ Berkeley; Women, Ine. was represented by viding parties, sensitivity group action and Hazel Hall who works with union women of highly dramatic. More than one woman taneity. Perhaps also it was .something of a recreation. Crown Zellerbach’s Fibreboard Corpora­ avowedly “straight” said she found the group confession, for the atmosphere of The traditional anonymity of the major­ tion, fighting job discrimination;Jean Cross frank talks of the panelists and subsequent relief was evident, and reflected in the frank ity of homosexuals, their tendency to assess told of plans for International Women’s audience interchange the most profound give-and-take of the platform-audience themselves in society’s terms, and almost Day, March 7-8, for which events are part of the program. The DOB panel interchange that followed. masochistic acceptance of prejudice against scheduled also for the previous and follow­ member, Pat Davis, met head-on the prob­ Prior to the Lesbian panel, Pam Allen diem was quietly challenged by the Gay ing weeks, to include art showings, poetry lem that organizations such as NOW and reported on the Women’s Center planned Women’s Liberation panelist, Alice Molloy. readings and much more, centered at Glide other women’s liberation groups have in for San Francisco. Among the many sug­ A poised young woman, jeans-and-sweater Memorial Church. openly acknowledging having Lesbian mem­ gestions discussed were several calling atten­ clad, she projected the unaggressive poise of Florence Vande Bogart reported on the bers and in coming out against discrimina­ tion to the apparent ignoring of the Lesbian one who knows herself, accepts who she is Ad Hoc Committee on the Status of tion towards this minority. Pat cited her woman in the original proposal and outline and expects acceptance from others. The Women Commi.ssion, pointing out regret­ own experience in trying to interest a of services. Submitted to the Women’s time has come for openness, honesty, for Center by DOB’s National President Rita fully that legislators with bills designed to heterosexual woman in the Women’s Liber­ homosexuals to stop trying to “pass” — Laporte and Vice-President-West Jess K. help women were not getting enough verbal ation Movement as fairly typical. The “like Jews in a country club” as price of the Lane, in summary, these additons to Center and written support from women. Help! woman argued that the “feminists are all rewards of “respectability,” she suggested. man-haters and probably gay”; hence, she services were recommended: Joan Jordan spoke for Independent Campus Times have changed, as reflected in the Women of San Francisco State College, did not care to associate with them. We all more profound understanding of human 1. A Lesbian department. 2. Inclusion of the Lesbian in research particularly concerning the need for child

— n opinions by and about Lesbians. It has and the more recently established Scotti.sli care services so as to help women go, or There were many more sjM'akers, both reported research findings and encouraged Minorities Group. Under a different name. return, to college. This group also is work­ from the platform and the floor, relh-cting participation in many research projects re­ Minorities Re.search Trust played an active ing to end job discrimination. It has a an energy and dedication to betterment of lated to homosexuality. At certain times it role in the formation of Lesbian organi­ women’s study program. all phases of life for women, and justifying has allowed pen pal introductions and a zations in the early 1960’s. Its present Virginia i^lmier reported for NOW’s the remaks of Victoria Scimicr who said at personal advertisements column within its concern is exclu-sively related to Lesbian N orthern California chapter; Shirley the laginning of the Conference; “ You covers, althou^ current issues have deleted British women, especially research, and it Rarnard for NOWs Southern California can't .slop an idea when its time has come. the advertisements. In short, a subscription receives .some financial support from the chapter. A report on Women’s Caucus on Our idea’s lime has come. It is 4,000 years to /Irena Three c;ould add flavor and antici­ social cluhs that wish to support its research the Media was given by Barbara Kaleoner since soeieties were malrian hal or equal as pation to a prospective Journey, or add activities. who said her committee had b»H'n trying to between the sexes. Since then we have further dimension to regular Lesbian read­ Impre.ssions of Lesbian life in England get more women engaged for air time; more (mdured the smog of patriarchal fallaeie.s.” ing. Subscription rates are $8.00 annually will, of course, vary from person to person, by-line women writers; an end to down­ This (ioalition Conference as well as the one for overseas subscriptions. Address: Esme depending upon a number of factors such as grading of women, so prevalent in the preceding it are heartening evidence, along Langley & Co., BCVI/Scaliorse, London, the areas visited, length of Irip, friendships, media. There was agreement, she .said, I hat with all cl.se that is going forward in the W.C. 1, England. etc. Nonetheless, certain aspects of every­ Women’s l.iberation need a .song of its own. Women’s Litn'ration Movement, that this KENRIC is the largest and oldest of the day life are apparent to even the most Following the lunch break, Sherrill .smog is no longer to 1h- endunrd with English social clubs, having been founded in casual observer. The most obvious fact lo Jensen gave a full report on the Abortion patient, prone submi.s.sion but is to Iw Ix)ndon during 1964 by former members of an American woman is that the entire Initiative Project — which is gathering mo­ tackled like all the rest of the pollution that the Arena Three staff, (ilaiming a member­ standard of living is generally lower in mentum. Both Dr. Nancy Cross and Brenda is insulting Mother Earth. Bight on! as the ship of over 300 women it is an organiza­ Fmgland than in the U.S.A. and that the Brush made contributions to the “Case young people say. tion well worth joining if a traveller antici­ earning power of women is often lower than Against the Newspapers and KF.OC.” The (.less K. Cane, our vice-pn‘sidenl pates spending more than a wi;ek or two in that of the male. The past role of women in meeting learned that Brenda Brush had filed on the West Coast, is, under her own London. The annual membership fee of England was .subjugation to male dom­ suit requesting that television expand its name, an <-ditor, free lancer and po<-t $2.50 includes a monthly newsletter which inance although the current generation is coverage of visual roles for women to of note, a lifelong feminist and outlines its social calendar. A typieal making strides toward econotnie equality. include jobs in the mechanical and con­ long-time member of DOB.) month’s calendar might include: a private Even so, our Lesbian sisters in England have struction fields. home dancing parly, a public lecture, an le.ss mottey to spend lhan we do and their evening at the Gateways Club, a tlieater or material possessions are fewer in number. movie function, a discu.ssion group (.similar There are exceptions, no doubt, but for fnLeáLi an oCi^e in é^naiand to Gab ’n Java), a literary event, a mu.sic many English women it means a constant group, or various oiitdther. in 23 — looks po.sitively terrified. flesh, even when the flesh is yellow with I return, of course, to 42. There ts no no tangled tubes. No man even.” \ blond radiotherapi.st comes with a sickness. magazine to be picked up but 1 go anyway “Do you mind?” little machine to give treatment to the But the girl in 42 is different. -She is a because it is the only place in all of the “I am not even sure 1 want a man.” grandmother, .\fter he has left they discuss little flame, thinly clad in a pale envelope of citadel to go and be not just a woman but a “Maybe they don’t either. It is like a j nose, you know? No one really wanls to his physique in minute detail. I go to sleep flesh which is almost invisible against the human being. w . n and dream they are eating him. pale sheets. Her hair is boy-short and so 1 think she is pleased to see me. We talk have a nose. Of course it is useful to blow At visiting hour you really see the pale as to be colorless. The only dark thing about art and other things but the blue of and to keep one’s glasses up. But the only citadel for what it is. My bed faces down about her is her great midnight-blue eye.s. her eyes is smudged over into the hollows real appeal of a nose is that everyone else towards the glas.s doors at the end of the If indeed she wants to be a man, she around them and 1 must not stay too long. has one.” corridor. The husbands gather there, their wants it for no incon.sequcntial reason. As I begin to leave, she says, “What do “ You know,” 1 say, “none of them say expressions growing warier each minute, Candy-colored nighties and the consensus they say about me?” they love their husbands. They say: He is a while on this .side the walking patients of the walking patients would cut no ice I hesitate. “What do you meanf big man, or an honest man, or a lazy man. slipslop back to their rooms and arrange with this pa.ssionate flame. “The other patients all peer in at me as But never: I love him. Am 1 being stupid?” themselves on the high white altars of their She watches me, .saying nothing. I am they go past. What is it that frightens them (There seems no strangeness in talking this way. Perhaps the women’s wing has got beds to receive homage. about to Iciive, but the magazine catches and not you?” When they let them in, the husbands my eye. “0 ,” 1 say, “1 am no hero.” to us too; according to the little Armenian, know just how it is. They are nervous all There is a reproduction of a painting — a “What do they say?” she persists. the miscarriage in 37 has been spreading her the time they are here, continually doing great, slabby, geometrical vista of a wide The flame, burning strongly, demands legs and inviting all the walking patients to clumsy things like dropping flowers and land under a wide sky, powerful as a honesty. “That you arc in here to have your count her stitches.) The girl in 42 looks up at me in the bumping drip-feeds. W hen the hell rings for cathedral nave, with the gothic arc of a sex changed.” the end of vi.siting hour, they leave quickly rainbow uniting the two. She smiles. Perhaps she laughs, but 1 do blueness of her flame. She is very ill. She says, “Love is a gift. Will you hold my and nervously, like the doctors. “0 ”, 1 .say as involuntary as breathing, not think her body is .strong enough to They are hardly out of .sight before the “it’s beautiful!” hand?” .1 u. walking patients are slipslopping down from Then she smiles. “They are,” she says, partly nghl. I stretch out my hand but she docs not their altars to compare gifts. Then the She begins to turn the pages. There are Perhaps twenty-five percent. One must take it straight away. She looks at her own. nurses start rattling bedpans and everyone It is like the pale wing of a pale, delicate others, all of a wide land and a wide sky, allow them that.” settles back with smug sighs to the evening with a sense of reverence deep in them. 1 say nothing because. 1 do not really bird. “I would like,” she says, “lo give you ritual of dressings and catheters and laxa­ “They are by Pierneef, a South African want to know. It is nothing and at the same tives and needles. painter.” Her voice is thin and high. Her many things. In talk, for instance. But I am time everything to me. a little tired. So I will hold your hand and “ He is a good man,” the little Armenian turning hands arc almost transparent. “Please,” she says. “The soul lies much says, holding up .some frilly magenta horror. “He sees the — the bones of a land,” I say nothing with words and everything with deeper than that, you know.” my hand. And if you listen hard you wUl “But it’s sure nice ju.st to be able to turn say. “Like the Canadian Group of Seven.” And of course when 1 go back to my over and go to sleep without” — she winks “0 yes” — she is excited — “you arc room 1 lose my temper with the fat hear me. Do 1 embarrass you?” — “a lot of nonsense.” right! Pierneef and Lawren Harris would I shake my head. hysterectomy. “Good. Now close your eyes.” And I turn over too but for a long time have loved each other, wouldn’t they!” “Are they,” she says, “going to give her No, she does not embarrass me, least of before sleep 1 lie wondering if this really has .And 1 am filled with happiness because a — well, you know, a man s all by her touch. For one thing it is so light to be the ultimate in human relationships — here, in the women’s wing, she has said: you-know-what?” this smug jungle of tubes and eatheters and Love, and it has nothing to do with tubes “What makes you,” I say, “think they I hardly feel it. For another, I feel it so ovaries and clamps on the one side, with the and catheters and candy-colored night­ are going to give her anything? Is it always deeply that there is no room anywhere in Other a vanquished army allowed in once gowns. handouts?” me for embanassment. daily to renegotiate its treaties with flowers We talk for — 1 don’t know, perhaps ten She is very overweight round the eyes. After what may be a long time, I open my eyes and her two hands arc folded. She and cheap nighties. minutes, perhaps an hour. 1 do not know They are like little currants in an uncooked This is what the citadel does to one’s what we talk about, but I know it is not the bun. “1 just asked,” she says. “After all, is smiling gently. , I say, a little shakily, “You talk well. thinking. labyrinthine things. what else has a man got?” All of which — as I warned - is a great When 1 go back to my room the fat “Goddam it,” 1 explode. “We talked “You listen well. And no, you are not deal about the women's wing but nothing hysterectomy is visiting the little Armenian. about art." stupid.” about the girl in 42. She says, “Did she tell you what they were The currants roll. “Not much use to 1 am at the door when she says. Will you come back? Even though I played a 1 am curious, of course, but I don’t going to do to her?” anybody, is it?” she says. expect to do anything about it. However, in “No,” I say shortly. “All I know is she is “If you aren’t talking about art, I snap, trick with you?” time I get to be a walking patient too and very sick.” “then shut up about your hormones too. **A trick?” She smiles again. “You are a ve^ good this day, passing 42 on my way back from “0 sure,” says the little Armenian. You can’t have it both ways. therapy, 1 glance in and see .she has dropped “ Anyone who wants to get their sex The fat hysterectomy leaves rapidly and listener. I never touched your hand. a maga/ine on the floor. changed has to be sick.” the little Armenian slipslops after her, so 1 Of couise 1 will come back. In my room, the hlonde from 26 is ■So I go in and pick it up. 1 lose a small shred of temper. “The have a chance to read. visiting the little Armenian. She is not Right then 1 decide the rumor started other day you said men have all the fun. So The next day the flame of the girl in 42 from fear. Becau.se she is that most fearful wouldn’t you rather be a man?” blonde at the roots nor in the straftglc of things. hair at her armpits. After supper 1 walk down past 42. There USES OF SEXUAL GUILT byJame.Colton “See you was visitinp 42 again,” she is a strange woman in the bed. She has says. several chins and an incipient mustache. The little .Armenian giggles. “Maybe, The fat hysterectomy, slipslopping past, "Commonplace sophistication holds should society permit? Many people, when it is all over, they are planning to be sees me and says, “Died under the an­ that generations of revolt are mostly eminent psychiatrists among them, married.” aesthetic. Be.sl thing, really.” symptoms of social failure,” writes Kingsley do not distinguish between The armpit brunette says, “UonT mind Perhaps that is right. She was not for a Widmer in The Nation (30 Dec. 1968). “In democracy and what Tocqueville us, dear,” and laughs until she chokes. fact, they equally serve as agents of social called, ‘the tyranny of the major- world where there can be too much of •. » »» After she has gone, the little .Armenian giving. change.” ity. tries to be friendly. .She tells me how it feels So I know nothing about her - neither All around us evidence of social failure Numbers of Americans either simply fed to have a baby begin to come on the back her name, nor what was her siekne.ss, nor and the resultant revolt meant to bring up with or actually disadvantaged by the si'at of a cab. why .she died. 1 only know that .she never about social change are obvious. And where tryanny of the majority are today openly I do not think I want to have a baby held my hand and that, after all, love is are the homosexuals? For the most part, in and fiercely rebelling. But the homo.sexual begin to come anyplace. much more - and much less - than a hiding. — in some ways the most disadvantaged of Next morning when 1 pass 42 .she is not labyrinthine horror. Because they do not believe .society is all — refu.ses to rebel. Why should he when there. A nurse says they have taken her Tomorrow they are sending me home wrong about them. They believe it is right he can - he thinks — have the best of both down to the operating room and she will be and that is the best thing too. The citadel is about them - that they are sick, that they worlds? No skin color or other inescapable there s<-veral hours. no place for cither of us. I are criminal, that they are mentally dis­ feature marks him off. He can sneak into In the afternoon, the little Armenian's On the way back to my: room 1 listen to turbed, that they are .sordid. The vast bulk the establishment as something other than husband comes. He brings her a banana-yel­ my feet and find I am slipslopping. I try to of them buy the whole ugly bag of accusa­ himself. low bedjaeket. After he has gone, she says, pick them up and 1 try not to cry. tions. Why fight, he reasons, what you can “ You think he is bringing too much Unhappily, it looks to this observer as if join? things?” they need it. Of course, to a small number, But the homosexual cannot join society their status as pariah is vital becau.se it’s as pre.sently constituted, and he knows it. “Too much?” (Jocelyn Hayward, a frequent con­ “ I here is maybe another woman. 1 do their only distinction. But what about the Whatever he pretends, he is an outcast still. tributor to THK LADDER, is a If he has a decent job he is never secure in not trust too much gifts, too much professional writer, humorist, and rest? Without question, their guilt has its uses. it. If he gels equal treatment under the law nicenesses.” editor. We are happy to present here Who doesn’t know the alcoholic whose it isn’t for a homosexual offense. If he She has made me understand many her more serious fiction.) unhappiness at his or her homosexuality wants a political career, a civil service makes him a burden to himself and his career, an Armed Forces career, exposure of i friends? The faet is, he likes to drink, needs his sexual bent can destroy it. If he wants to drink, and uses his sexual guilt as an to make love he has to break the law in 48 excuse. of the 50 states. Who doesn’t know the perennial failure, In his book Must You Conform? the late the man or woman with brains and ability Robert Lindner called homosexuality “a who never makes the top in his employ­ reaction of non-conformity, a rebellion of ment sphere because he is “afraid” his the personality” against “a sex-rcjective, homosexuality will be discovered and he sex-repressive society.” needs the obscurity of a low-paying, How docs the homosexual handle the drudging job to protect him from exposure? role? Who doesn’t know people of potential At a recent symposium on “The Aging talent, would-be writers, artists, musicians, Homo-sexual” sponsored by The Tangent dancers, actors, whose neglect of their (Iroup in Los Angeles, a young man re­ abilities they blame on their homo­ jected the private, mcmbers-only baths that sexuality? have become so much a part of the male No, it isn’t easy for anyone in our homosexual .scene in U.S. cities. hii^ly-structured and artificial society to be “They’re too safe,” he said. “There’s no himself. The pressures against individuality risk involved. There’s no chance the guy are staggering and deforming. It is hard to you make a pass at will turn out to be a vice resist them. Anti-sexual pre.ssures are still squad officer.” high — and still doubled for homosexuals. Rebellious - right? It shocked a good Writes Thomas S. Szasx in his paper “Legal many participants in the .sympo.sium. Yet and Moral Aspects of Homosexuality” : what in fact docs it show? It shows a bleak “In the United States today, why dependency on society and its present B ot noH , Voo l^Lut^ys 'touo is homosexuality a problem? Mainly attitude for one’s kicks. The absence of any because it presents, in sexual form, threat of arrest, expo.sure, humiliation, pun­ the classic dilemma of popular ishment, results in diminished sexual satis­ faction. Symbols by Kate McColl (IDEA by V.Y.) democracy: How much diversity This man was rejecting the role of rebel. slop reacting by homosexual means against However honest his homosexuality to the hypocritical morality of our up-tight start with, he has foresworn it in favor of society and come out into the open and Origami conformity. Yes, conformity. He docs not band together to change the laws and set believe in his homosexuality, cannot assert Mom and Dad, Preacher and Cop straight on No Scarlatti sonata here it for it.self and the happiness it can bring the facts about homosexuality — that for you to drown in, ON SCORPIO RISING him. His need to feel guilty and therefore homosexuality will stop. no trace of patterned sound hunted comes above his need for sexual On the contrary, homosexuality might Those men knew how to do homage. only unbroken stillness release. A hostile .society and its dictates are then, at long last, really begin — for those as you sit at a low table more vital to him than his own ego and its Knew that the ram of sacrifice who actually arc homosexuals. Those who Must be belted and bejeweled. folding flights of paper cranes; needs. have been faking it, for one guilty reason or you-bewildered, silenced He isn’t a rebel; he is a victim. Marked with memento mori. another, will be happy too — happy hetero­ Carefully tended and dressed by a flock of voiceless birds. So arc mo.st homosexuals. By choice. sexuals. In the ritual, feasted. While they can believe in their own guilt In the prime of lust and luxury. Michiko Yamaguchi they can dodge their ethical commitment to ABOUT THE AUTHOR He must go knowingly, eagerly. rebel, to change the society that victimizes James Colton is a Director of the As a man prepared. them. Their only rebellious acts remain newly formed Homosexual Informa­ private and horizontal. tion Center in Los Angeles. He is the But rebellion in bed is as silly and Sheath him in leather, black and burnished. author of Strange Marrii^e, Known Studded in chrome wasteful a thing as one can do there. The Homosexual and other novels. The fun must homosexuals today have in bed is Hang chains from his waist, ring his hands. Corrupter, a short story collection, Strap on his boots. not sexual at all but lies in a kind of Always In Search Of The Muse and such magazine articles as A t the feast of masks let him strip, ' childish nose-thumbing at an Authority that “Science Looks at Homosexuality” would punish them if it knew what they Give stripes, receive adoration, ram. and “Suicide and the Homosexual.” Her smile captures me, were up to. He who goes down before the Lord He is an editor of Tangents maga­ I endure her walk. Sex has a high value of its own. Most Must be without blemish. zine. His newest novel is Hang-up, She is passive, silent, reserved. homosexuals never find out what it is. They published in July, 1969, and another Lost in her thoughts. sub,sist on side-effects of .sex — a rigged and And let him rise in the morning. novel. Card, will appear this fall. He Mount, ride through the misty streets. forever-losing struggle against Mom and I watch her as she walks lightly. and his wife, the poet-artist-transla- Ascend at the cross road with sirens Dad, Preacher and Cop and, often enough Without effort tor Jane Race, share a house with Wailing kyrie, beautiful symbol and even sadder, against Cod who, if He And hesitates before speaking exists, surely made them as they arc. cats, a Mynah bird, a dog, a hooded O f his body sailing high and then ruined forever. rat and a big white rabbit “who runs As though tim idity had caught her. None of this is to say that once people Cut by the chromium jewels. the place.” Blood spurting out of the leather like love, She never speaks to me like spilt seed. Except in a whisper, I nod politely. Damned Females Celia Leman But her skin is soft 0etri| Fire lorn, cursed by breaths, And the whiteness intrigues me. Deaths with no hold on us other than our births; We sheltered our fears until our deaths Carol Cunliffe And walked sublimely to reminisce our mirths.

With painstaking vows shielded beneath our rights TO A YOUNG LOVE We vexed one another with constrained remorse; We never once shed our veils of fright Take from this twisted symmetry of limb Or adventures emanating from our selfless course. The tangled rhythm, slow pulse of hymn. Tortured El Greco tempered and annealed. Pleading within each kiss we sought to please Wild passion fixed yet not congealed. Avoiding the incandescent question. Urge swirled by environment yet, in girth Why Is this sinful?" "Why must we appease?" And reach, thrusting from anchoring earth Each touch and embrace a portent of deception. Against shaping wind and oppressing air To climb, grow, blossom. You who despair. Thoroughly, surely, we held our sacred vow Feel you are part of the whole design, Which promised in clandestine affirmation Lending to landscape more dramatic line (To worship each other's desires) And richer mood. Less rooted, more free, Likewise we pledged again until death, until now. You give to the heath more beauty than the tree. And calmly led ourselves to delve assuredly beneath the mires. And to life, and to me.

Carol Cunliffe —Gabrielle I'Autre SEVEN POEMS BY MARTHA SHELLEY

ONE ROOM

Journey Rainwater hands Your cat-dilated, almost amber eyes Draw near, my friend, and share with me (as space between beats grows smaller This couch. The lamp is bright on drums that light broken streets) And sends warm glades of light Your touch draws To slide along your thigh and scatter off your knee, LETTERS power-down; current Like waterfalls that splash off rocks below. back of my eyes. We ate — your face is shining with the heat The love I cannot cup in my two hands We are too crowded in one room. And richness of the food. The wine was sweet Is also most-beloved. And loosed your hand to swir.g in slow My younger self would not believe I wish I were White curves that measured off the rhythm of your speech. What did not taste of apples or touch silk the rapids of the Colorado Give me your hand, and let mine Or funnel out in gallon jugs wild within cliffs Follow down the golden line Or ring on counters in candy stores , And you a storm Of light, as far as I can reach. come down tundra Around your waist and up into the puffs of hair And now a face I cannot see onto Montana. A t the nape, and at the hollow Her hands that I have never held Of your throat, where if I follow Have claimed some squatter's right Poor bones, ^ Too long, may be lost in contemplating there. on my heart too narrow a path In the darkening valley, on slopes that are steep. And I cannot be free. For the lightning your fingers suggest; Give me your hand, and share with me Your lips demarc This couch, and offer me Some letters, though, she has allowed to me our cruel-edged limitations. The cup of gold. I will drink deep. And every night I hurry home to mail I almost ask you Like a lemming scenting sea. Go; let me be Martha Shelley some small cool thing Martha Shelley greybird Crossing the Plains starless Distant Valley In late November.

Her robe fell open at the knee; Martha Shelley OFFICE HOURS I heard crossed knees Shifting on the sofa springs. The papers pass beneath my hands Beneath white words she The bleak fans breathed at me. Labor to unwind the August air Like the curtains at the Met In smoky streams Drawn for pale Aida, Are the folds and stripes of her robe. BRUISE Tapping of a typist's keys Blood-color fells of velvet. Tapping of a woman's heels You were in my arms, yet unpossessed; DEATH And a flash-by-silk blouse. Something with blood-caked fur My soul moved, bruised. And in my ears the beating of Stiffly paces the chambers against the inside of my skin I would deck her dusky shoulders insensate blood Of bone caves beneath my face, Where it touched you. Gazing at her. With bright flowers, twine them As I could hear your soul move. And half-built dreams In her long, loose hair; We lay together, unconsoled. She puffs words, "Do you love me?" And I would bathe and dress, Of hot rice wine in ginger lands Wanting something more than Love! — is toast and tea. and so prepare A dark room with a sliding paper door body's interpretation. An ordered house For her embrace — if she came softly. And alien flesh to burn my hands Beyond words, beyond caresses. In a distant valley And I were aware. My soul was bruised Martha Shelley Because I could not be And here in me the dark monsoon Martha Shelley You and myself besides. In solid rainsheets falls. Martha Shelley Wordless, Keening in the dark; I hear her blood across the room.

Martha Shelley Tygers Passages by Dorothy Lyle "There are tigers deep within us," you have told me, Japan is disappearing by degrees your green eyes glinting gold by candlelight Today, when women can dress as they The King journeyed to Flanders, ac­ and soon we'll have no gardens left please for the must part, and work at most and you become an antiquary companied by the Guard. During the trip, except for a withered bonsai reading from an ancient map the words kinds of labor, few feel the need to actually while billeted in the house of a wealthy in an enamelled niche; pass as men the entire time. This is a very HEREIN LIE TYGERS, burgher, St. Aubin had to put off the sexual no clogs on cobblestones, new state of affairs, however, and in past while your fingers trace each letter, advances of the wife, the sister, and the only the rush of rubber wheels limes thousands of women made their lives discovering by touch those continents daughter of the burgher. (This would imply upon cement. Ask any crane where tigers roam more palatable by pretending to be male. either wild exaggerations in the accounts of soaring above the city — Good women and criminals, noble women upon vast moonlit veldts. her life or unlimited sex appeal.) one day we shall behold Mount Fuji gone and outrageous scoundrels, Lesbians and Her history after this is confused (and and in its place a gray stone wall Wind-borne or gliding on a word heterosexuals: all have po.sed as men. Most the sources certainly don’t agree), but it is with no gate. I come to you each night, of them arc unimportant from a historical known that she fought in several battles in turn tiger underneath your hands standpoint, though many had wild adven­ the French Army and that each time she Michiko Yamaguchi and in your eyes. tures which would have been impossible relinquished male garb she was followed had they cho.sen to live as women since, and proposed to by the Marquess Michiko Yamaguchi traditionally, active lives arc denied to D’Osseyra, son of her friend, the Marquessa. women. Whenever this happened she donned male Christina de Meyrac, daughter of Baron garb again and went into the army. At the de Meyrac of Bearn, was raised as a boy siege of Ypres .she was wounded .serioudy Foolish, foolish woman, what have you done? (unexplained) by parents who adored her. (actually the second time she was wounded A lover of women, you worship only the sun. She was taught to ride and shoot and hunt, in her military career) and died of her And for all your striving, though you look the part. and various other sports. In a hunting party injuries. She is described as a great beauty Though you've treated me like a man from the start, she accidentally shot and killed her brother. and apparently ran from men by becoming I am more a lady than you. Her father, in a blind rage, set out to kill one — her motivations, of course, lie buried And I must be a woman too. her, and she took refuge with a relative, the with her at Bruges, Belgium. You cannot comprehend my quiet kind of love. Abbe Dizestc. He smuggled her into Spain 'To turn from mudccts to the open sea, The unspoken, gentle on the mind kind of love, disguised as a boy. There she entered a we have the remarkable story of Mary Anne That lasts far beyond the loud bar, bed, and dawn university for a while but was wounded by Talbot who went against her will (as a slave Through dark, lonely hours when the other is gone. a ruffian in a street fray, in an area of her of the Captain) to sea as a cabin boy in Not a quickly-broken promising love. anatomy that made concealment of her sex 1792. She liked the male role, however, and But enduring, all encompassing love. impossible. after many adventures which took her from With the help of a Marquesa D’Osseyra her native London to the West Indies and back to London and Flanders, she escaped Patricia Michaels . she convinced the surgeon to keep her secret. She made friends with the Lady her eruel ma.ster. (He was killed in battle, Abbess of the Ursilines and became a fortunately.) pensioner in the convent of the Ursilines. Dres.sed as a sailor, she deserted and Ironically, she was allowed to play a male tried to get back to England. She reached role in a play performed by the nuns to Luxembourg and shipped aboard a French entertain the Archbishop of Saragossa, and lugger. This ship sailed in September 1793, CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? he recognized her from her student days at and she soon discovered it was a privateer. the University and asked the Lady Superior In the English Channel the ship engaged a If you are planning to move, please why she allowed a young man in the British vessel and was captured. Mary told her story (concealing her sex) to the let us know six weeks before changing convent. Soon after this, Christina went back to her home in Beam, her father Admiral himself and was made a powder your address. Please send your old having died in the meantime and her boy. She served on many ships and took address and your new address, clearly mother wishing to see her. part in several battles and was wounded In Bearn, dressed as a girl, of course, she marked. You MUST include BOTH several times. She was also taken prisoner received much male attention. She disliked by the French another time but again your old and your new zip codes. the attention, however, and again with the escaped during an exchange of prisoners. REMEMBER, third class mail is not aid of the Abbe Dizeste, she cut her hair, She was ill for a while and left the Navy, dressed as a boy, and went to Haris where but continued to pose as a man. As a forwardable. Send to CIRCULATION she joined the First Company of the King's civilian she shipped aboard a merchantman DEPARTMENT, 1005 Market Street, Guard. She went by the name of St. Aubin, bound for America as a ship’s steward. Her Room 208, San Francisco, California and since the King’s Guard was a detach­ pay was fifty pounds for the voyage. (A much larger sum than was usual, and no 94103. ment of musketeers, she has been known historically as “The Woman Musketeer.” explanation is offered for this discrepancy in (he accounts of her life.) The captain of the harems in her male garb, which caused very questionable. The only possible “fact” army, calling herself Robert Surtlieff. She this merchantman took a liking to the some hilarious situations). She prevailed from hi.s version is the name of the wife of saw little war action (despite some .steward, and in America she vi.sitcd his upon the Pasha of Acre to cede her the Charley Wilson. He calls her Anne Ridgway, biographies to the contrary) but did win a Rhode Island home where she courted his ruined convent and village of Dahar-Joon — and one or two magazine articles u.se this reputation as “a devil with the ladies.” daughter — only leaving when the daughter built upon a conical mountain. There she name also; but it is not a verifiable fact. Several hilarious accounts are told of girls pressed for marriage. Mary eventually sailed rebuilt the entire town and added beautiful “James Allen” presents a very intriguing attempting to trap her into marriage. At back to England where she was abducted by gardens and a strong outer wall. The Arabs mystery. There has never been any proof of one time she must have been very ardently a “ press-gang” (men who stole sailors and loved her and her charity to them made the original identity of the woman called pursued because she wrote a letter to the sold them as slave labor on other ships). them treat her like a God. She also adopted James Allen who successfully lived her girl to break off tbc relationship, and ended t.ater in life she admitted to having been many of their customs, which would have adult life as a happily married man. In 1829 the letter with “ Your Own Sex.” .After the “John Taylor” of some Navy fame and added to her popularity. at St. Thomas’s Hospital in London, James war she married and nothing more of her worked as an entertainer, still dressed as a However, when Miss Williams died in Allen died, and an inquiry into his death history has been recorded. man. She was awarded a pension by Queen 1828 (or 1826; the sources vary) Lady provides the only known facts. In 1808 A very sad story from the days of Charlotte and was helped financially, too, Stanhope became quite increasingly un­ James Allen was a groom in the household inadequate physical knowledge of the by the Duke and Duchess of York and the civilized, particularly in her treatment of of a Mr. Ward of Camberwall Terrace and human body and inadequate knowledge Duke of Norfolk. This was undoubtedly servants, punctuating blows with a mace (a Mary Allen (no maiden name is known) was about emotional involvements comes down due to her exploits rather than any real metal-studded club) and “lurid language.” a housemaid. James courted and married to us from many .sources. In 1735 in financial need on her part. She died in She loved horses and cats and kept dozens her, and they saved thiur money and bought Grenoble, Anne Grand jean was born. She 1808, at only 30 years of age, having of the latter. When she ran out of money a small inn in Baldock, England. They were was the daughter of a carpr'nter, and in hi.s packed a lot of living into that short span of (after helping to conduct a few Arab wars liked by people and the inn prospered for desire to have a son he raised her as if site time. between neighboring tribes) she locked her­ .sf)me years. Then a calamity struck: they were a boy. At age t5 a scandal was created Lady Hester Lucy Stanhope never pre­ self up in her paradise on the mountain and were robbed in the night of all of their in the town by whis^ierers who said site had tended to be a man, but she took over all of fasted to death in June 1839. money and valuables. They sold their more charms for the lasses than the boy.s. the masculine prerogatives, including men’s Catherine Wretford Tozer was bom in business and returned to London, where Upset and overwrought, Anne coiifessr'd clothing. She was born in 1776 to a 1834 at Axbridge near Somersetshire, James found work in a ship builder’s yard. her love for women to lh<- town priest. distinguished mother and father. Her father England. She was well-educated for those He was considered a sober and industrious Being a good and simple man, he assumed was Charles, Viscount Malion, afterwards times, attending a girls’ eoUege until age 16, worker. He was injured fatally by a falling an error had bei n made and told hi'r that Third Earl of Stanhope. Her uncle was when she married her first cousin, Percival piece of timber and died on the way to the she was really a boy. She went home and William Pitt, the Younger, possibly Coome (or Coombes), some 23 years ber hospital. The po.st-mortem examination de­ announced lliis and soon was known as England’s greatest prime minister. She be­ senior. He was apparently very sadistic, termined him to be a woman, physieally Jean-Baptiste Grandjean. When it was ob­ came William’s housekeeper — and his most mistreating her, and also once was dis- perfect in every re.speet. served that Jean-Baptiste was as friendly trusted confidant, a very unusual role for a eharged as a teacher for cruelty to the At the inquest some question was made with girls as y\nne had been .shy with boys, young woman. When he died ip 1806 he students. To escape him, Catherine ran concerning the possibility of no one doubted that she was a r<‘al boy. left 1500 (Miunds a year to her for life. away disguised as a man, and caUed herself hermaphrodism. This was declared wholly Soon after this, she married a Erancoise (Some sources say only 1200 pounds; in “ Charley W ilson.” She became a wilhout foundation by the several Lambert and her troubles really started. either case, a wonderful sum.) house-painter and managed to become a ^physicians who had examined the body. The eoiiple moved to Lyon and started a Soon after her uncle’s death Lady member of the Painter’s Union in London. The wife, Mary Allen, is described as having biisine.ss. There an “old friend,” jealous Stanhope moved from London to Wales. (This was a difficult accomplishment since been “innocent as a baby and unaware that over lo.sing Jean-Bapti.ste, maile trouble She is de.seribed as being 6’ tall, very membership in unions was then, as now, there was anything unu.sual in her personal between them, telling the young wife the beautiful, very intelligent and witty. As an restricted, and usually passed on from life.” She must have been!!I very truthful truth that she was married to aside we are told that she was headstrong, father to son.) Catherine, as Charley Wilson, Almost everyone has heard of Deborah a woman. The wife went to another priest unmanageable, and very masculine. In worked for 13 years for the P & 0 ■Samp.son, the most publicizxd of the Ameri­ and this one decided that indeed she must 1806, at age 30, she fell in love for the. first, Company in London as a painter, and can women who fought as men during the be married to a woman. Poor Jean-Baptiste last and only time in her life with “a young during at least 7 years of this time she lived Revolutionary War - but some of the more was expo.sed in the stocks for a time and English girl named Williams.” After four with another woman — the two being interesting aspects of her masquerade have then thrown into prison as a “defiler of the years, when much “coarse gossip” reached considered man and wife, of course. The been overlooked by her more sac- sacrament of marriage.” She lodged an her ears. Lady Stanhope took Miss Williams “marriage” lasted until the wife died in charine-tongued biographers. Deborah was appeal and the Paris Medical Faculty and her personal physician, Charles Lewis 1897. In April of that year Charley moved bom in December 1760. Her father was a examined her and declared her to be a Meryon, and several servants, and fled to to a lodging house in Railway Terraee, .sailor, and he died when she was 5 years woman “with a touch of hermaphrodism.” the East. Her ship, the frigate Jason, was Kinston-on-the-Thames, and told the land­ old. There were many children, and the (Today this would probably be a normal shipwrecked off Rhodes, but the party lady that she was a painter and glazier, and mother had to farm them out to relatives. female with a slightly overdeveloped safely reached Palestine and Jerusalem. She a widower who had lost a wife and three This atmosphere surely had some bearing clitoris, a medically common oceiirrenee.) obtained equipment and the party traveled children. Catherine Coombes is known his­ on Deborah’s later history. The Parliament of Paris freed her from into the desert and set up a camp near the torically as “The Gentleman Painter.” One evening she “borrowed” a .suit of prison but annulled her marriage and re­ ruins of Palmyra. The famous author of THE CLOISTER men’s clothes and spent the evening drink­ stored her name of “Anne.” She was then Later she moved her camp to the slopes AND THE HEARTH, Charles Reade, wrote ing at the local “ordinary” (tavern). For forbidden to have anything to do with the of Mount Lebanon and made friends with a far more elaborate and decidedly fanciful this she was put out of the Baptist Church female sex. the sheiks of various half-wild tribes (among version of Catherine’s life. Admittedly, his (which comes as no real surprise). She ran No further record of her life exists. other privileges accorded her was visiting story is more Lesbian in tone, but also it is away from home in 1782 and joined the However, it is unlikely that she followed by Gene Damon the decree againist her since she was only in white. If they lived today, almost without her middle 20’s at that time and was quite exception they would have had less eventful but surely less harrowing lives. It is a matter Not too many years ago to be remem­ clearly a Lesbian. bered by anyone old enough to be reading Our last subject, Madame Jeanne of some gratitude to realize that women do this column, blacks were still considered a Dieulafoy, is perhaps the strangest of all, 1 o not have to resort to these disguises today, though looking at the current “liberation” negligible civil rigjits force, and their efforts borrow a vulgari.sm, she was a “mixed-up at self-determination and freedom were kid.” She dres.sed always as a man and movement, one wonders! quite frankly laughed at. Well, that’s insisted that she be treated as a man, but changed, and not just a little. And for the didn’t try to deny that she was a woman. BIBLIOGRAPHY past four or so years, women have been in She was married to Marcel Dieulafoy, and the news . . . demanding equal rights. W ell, there is a delightful photograph of them, Gilbert, Oscar Paul, WOME,\ IN MEN'S that’s not new. Women have been doing often reproduced, in identical evening dress. GUISE, London, The Bodley Head, Î that since the middle 1850’s . . . we all Since her hair in the photograph is .shorter 1932. know that, and nothing much has happened than his, they look like brothers. Stoker, Bram, EAMOUS IMPOSTERS, . . . so, naturally, nothing much ever will. In itself, this behavior would not be N.Y., Sturgis and Walton, 1910. On the other hand, in 1889 the first big sufficiently unusual to be of interest. But Thompson, C.J.S., MYSTERIES OF SEX, step toward black equal rights was taken in Madame Dieulafoy ran a school for the London, Hutchinson, n.d, (1938). this land. So who is to say when the education of children based on the principle Pintón, John Adams, THE TEMALE • “worm” will turn, or if it may already have that a feminine education of both .sexes was REIVIEW, OR LIFE OF DEBOR.AH turned? All this is leading up to a plethora the only way of teaching young ju-ople how SAMPSON, Boston, 1866. of new books about what the world would to behave profx-rly in society. Consequently Wright, Richardson, FORGOTTE.N really be like if women ran it. Naturally, she educated both the boys and the girls as LADIES, Philadelphia, Lippincott, such books, in this world today, have to b<- little girls. The boys played female parts in 1928. couched in science fiction terms. This isn’t the presentations of the comedies of the (Editor’s Note: .Some contemporary even a new theme in scicnee fiction . . . times. We don’t know who played the male John Wyndham’s wonderful CONSIDER parts. sources cite Deborah Sampson as HER WAYS, which first came out in 1956, HIGH COMMAND, N.Y., Weybright and Her private life, and her public life, were being a black woman. We would very comes -easily to mind; and there were a Talley, 1970. This is about how it all circumspect, as far as can be determined. It much appreciate po.sitivc clarifica­ number of others in the later 1950’s on the happens when the women really do take would be interesting, though, to know why tion of this question from our read­ general theme of worlds of women only. over the world . . . in high gear. It features everyone had to be educated to be proper ers. This article was originally But these were more truly science fiction, male stereotypes along the lines one sees on ladies w hile .she played the part of a man all written over five years ago and was less truly sociological commentary. television, and it fails mightily in both its of her life. updated for publication. Mi.ss Wyndham’s book was based on a bee hive larger concept and its humor, but it docs Kaeh of thes<‘ women used the male Sampson’s own memoirs in the John sort of existence within the female com­ end with an all female world . . . pre­ di.sguise to “ pass” into a better world — Adams Vinton title cited above do munity, with workers, drones, and queens. sumably quite happy. even as light-skinned blacks have passed as not indicate that she was hlack.) THE LEAGUE OF GREY-EYED THE CHOSEN PLACE, THE TIME­ WOMEN, by medical journalist Julius Fast, LESS PEOPLE, by Paule Marshall, N.Y., Philadelphia, Lippincott, 1969, considers Harcourt, Brace and World, 1969, begs for • what happens when an enormous colony of that cliche, “a major novel.” It really is that | women who share a mutated gene series . . . combining all the 'excellence pos-siblc giving them grey eyes and telepathic abili­ in a large cast novel without losing the skills ■- ties set about uniting themselves and find­ that most often shine through in the little ing a way to create a male stud for the ones. Miss Marshall is a slow and good furthering I of their race. Fanciful as that writer with few real credits but much sounds, Mr. Fast has done his medical critical acclaim. Her earlier work.s, SOUL homework (I checked), and he is not out of CLAP HANDS AND SING, and BROWN line on the possibilities. Our interest here, GIRL, BROWNSTONES, both were well besides the obvious, is that the women are reviewed. The former title was a four part often Lesbians . . . not for any major collection of novellas and contained minor reason beyond the lack of ability to com­ male homosexuals. THE CHOSEN PLACE, municate with ordinary men . . . who lack THE TIMELESS PEOPLE is centered about the telepathic sensitivity which allows them a research development project on a barren full love. As terrible as the idea might seem West Indian island. The central figure is to some, a world where war, hate, fighting Merle, a black woman, illegitimate daughter and poverty would not be possible doe.sn’t of an island patriarch. Merle has been seem too bad. educated, both in school and in bed, in Another, and far less plausible, view is England. Her past includes a destructive and provided by John Boyd in SEX AND THE formative Lesbian relationship. She is not a MADAME DIEULAFOY AND HER HpSBANO (Courtesy of Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris) 2} ri'al |i(T:«m. Iiiil .-ilu' is more real than most Theater nuts are asked please to watch for any printed pre.sentation of Edward I'liosi'ii lor tliis sort of pivot point in a a novi'l. [ will br acrusrd of much pirjudicf Bond’s 1967 play, EARLY MORNING. P,erço n P, l«Tr, bul Miss Marshall is a betlrr writer, This is supposed to be about Queen bands down. Iban any black male novelist Victoria and Florence Nightingale . . . as by Karl Ericsen I’ve yel read . . . and to lliat I add, liiirrah Le.sbians. Apparently this was first pre. THE TRANSSEXUAL EXPERIENCE for her. sented in England sometime in 1967 or Keprinl ni'ws «‘etiis to be limited to 1968. It has recently (sometime in 1969) I am a tran.sse.xual — a pi-rson who has e-onditioning, eiidocrinology, sexual re­ TIIK l•l!KlT.A^ Jl!N<;i,l£ by Sara Ilarri.s, tieen presented as part of an F.dward Bond changed physical sex (female to male). I sponse research and so on. out iKJW from Pocket Hooks. This isn t Festival at the Royal Court Theater in have become increa.singly disturbed by the Lei me allenipt to ope n a crack lo the much, exeepi tor its kind eommetils re the London. W'c believe that it was the last play wall being erected between tran.ssexuals and “inner door” and let you take a look at various and .sundry load carriers in the to be banned olTieially by the Lord lesbians. It seems to be the result of too .-iome e)f the- obstacles a transsexual faee-s in movement. Chamberlain, but we are relying on memory much misinformation Hoaling about, added making the sex change. Before we go inter What fun it is to wateh Joliti O’Hara’s her<’ and aren’t .sun-. Certain magazines in to the tendency on most peoples’ part to detail on those, I believe we should clear up amaziujx route. I bciian many years ago the ll.S. and Britain euslotnarily publksh equate the two groups and therefom not some of the .scandal that has come down ehronieling his progress into the field of full texts of play.s. If anyone finds this one, understand the measures each takes iu upon the heads of the; docterrs whei are- homosexual literature. He began with a few please .sr-nd a copy or at least the reference, solving its particular problem, e.g., le.sbians working in this field. Of course, the re are- excursions into the male a.spects of the field attention Gene Damon. (and most hetero.st'xuals) can’t iindersland quacks - as in e;very fie-ld of medieini- — and soon began ineluding women . . . in ■Simon Coopr’r’s THE RA(< DOLLS is why a tran.ssexual wants to be a man and and the public is partly at fault in this rase- recent years he has become more and more out from Signet, 1970 . . . read and forget think they are bowing to .society in seeking because- it effeetively re-striets ethical eoneerned with I.esbianism, reaching a high type entertainment . . . minor interest. a change. 11 is my hoep Ihat through this deretors from e-nte-ring this fie-ld. Our laws [K>inl in .AND O'I'HER STÜRIKS, which On the other hand. May Sarton’s won­ |>ap<'r, a few more mindit (and hearts) will are so shrouded in puritanical hogwash that was his last short story collection (N.Y., derful THE FUR PERSON is out in paper­ open up and we can all prbgre.ss. a doctor risks not only his n-putatioie, but Random, 1968, Bantam, 1970). His latest back from Signet, 1970 (we feel this is The main thing to remember is that a also his practice. He>wcve-r, I rneist say that novel, LÜVKY CIIH.DS: .A I'HILADEL- probably its first paperback incarnation). It transsexual is always aware of living a dual the- doctors 1 have- met have be-en e-x(;e-llent. PH1AN’.S STORY, N.Y., Random, 1969, is is about the finest cat book (fiction) ever life, i.c., having the inner drives and desires They made- every effort to make a thorough quite major. It i.sn’t up to the level of his written, and it tells about a cat about town, of a male and the physique (or reasonable and obje-ctive- evaluation of me before- better la'sbian short stories, but his novels Tom Jone.s, and the two women he adopts fa(»imile)of a female. Sure, I am well aware recommending tre-atment. Trans,se-xuals have their share of borderline case;s (those never are up to his shorter works, so (they think they adopt him), and how he that many females “ want to be a boy” at faulting him on that ground is not really tx'comes “ with a little help from his least during childhood. I am akso aware that arc patients who might change- their minds fair. It is a typical O’Hara tiovel, u.sing his friends” a fur jierson. Reviewer in PUB- many think it more advantageous to bi' a or who are not quite sure) and me)re than u.siial milieu. Philadelphia’s upper class, in USHER’S WEEKLY commented that she male. But the tran.s-sexual dors not look at their just .share of emotional instability (thc every way except for the really heavy planned to give a number of copies away to it that way — .something in.side lets him trans-sexual often lives many extremely emphasis on the Lesbianism. Critics are human-type fur pimple . . . and that will know from the onset of gonseious thinking lonely and hopeless years in a world just damning him again, but that is fashionable be 60 cents well spent and well received in that he is a male in thJi “wrong suit of not made for him). Most surgeons whe) and a bit like shooting arrows at the Rock each casi'. elothe.s”. In every asptud of his life he is perform the ope;rations will not even inter­ of Gibraltar . . . fooli.sh. If you like him. Bantam Books has a paperback edition male exeepi physically. He prefers and view a patient until he has been sen-ened by this is your book. Most ama/.ing thing aluiut of THE MAGIC GARDEN OF STANLEY seeks male company and feels out of place a psychiatrist and an endocrinologist and the man is that he can write about women SWEETHEART out, 1970. Definitely with groups of females, is intere.sted in male enough time has claps«;d lo give the patient and be believed by women reading him . . . worth paperback price but primarily for vocations and avocations and falls in love a chance to live and work in the new sex. The transsexual’s first obstacle is to find very few male novelists can do this. One in those interested in his potential talent. with females (usually heterosexual). While a doctor (or person) knowledgeable enough the rye for the critics. Perfect he isn’t; great Lesbian material in it is silly. thc'.sc- may Til a masculine lesbian, there is he is. one diffenmee — the ll^sbian always know to know that work is being done in thi.s I she is a female. A transsexual is constantly field. This may seem minor to a well read at war unless a .sc^x change can be obtained. city dweller but it is a real mountain to REMEMBER That is a simple enough definition - the- some poor kid in Wheatvillc, Kansa.s. Once difficulty lies in pinpointing the cause(s). the transsexual has been put in touch with If you cannot be present for the Convention, make sure someone who is This is where the two factions clash and the an endoc;rinologist in the field, the problem is temporarily taken out of his hands and he attending can voice your vote via proxy. If you or a friend cannot attend, name calling bc'gins. I believe the “war” is a is put through every imaginable test. -Some mail your proxy to; uscdc.ss pn:occupation bc-cause the criteria usi'd to back up statements (biological, hospitals (Johns Hopkins, University of psychological and sociological) have not Michigan and U.C.I..A.) have been using Convention Proxies been scientifically sub.stanlialcd and, Ihere- this information and transsexual .subjects c/o Rita Laporte, NatT. Pres. fon', facts become theoric^s. I am not using for research work. Daughters of Bilitis this as a defense; - only trying to get people The first test indudes a very detailed 1005 Market Street, Room 208 to close; their mouths and accept each other personal history - family, medical, .sexual San Francisco, Calif. 94103 — maybe tomorrow we will have some real and social, and a thorough physical examin­ answers, (ireat le*aps are; being made in ation. Besides being looked at and into many related fields - gene-tics, behavior from all possible angles, measurements arc- taken (often a hypogonadal condition given serious consideration by the doctors shows up ill these) a eomification test is and patient. A true transsexual could only J The most difficult obstacle is the paper trying but the problems .seem minimal and given (testing for female hormones) and come away elated and with no regrets. world. The main object is to get the birth laughable after his previous life. He must reflexes arc tested (for instance, the “gag­ The third operation has not been per­ certificate changed. Each state handles it take steps to guard his family and self from ging reflex” is primarily male — gagging fected to any degree. ThLs is the con­ differently. Some have sealed the old and .sensationalized publicity - this is hard to when an object is put near but not touching struction of a penis. It has been tried on issued a new. Some have issued amend­ insure unless he wants to change his com­ the pharnyx lining). ■several transsexuals without much favorable ments to be attached. Others have refu.sed plete life. Often he must accept a change Next, the tran.s.sexual is sent to an result. It would include enclosing a section to deal with the problem. In some states the in his vocation — usually into a much lower cndocrinal laboratory with a twenty'-four of rib cartilage in a skin graft and running courts have forced the administrative economy (1 know of cases where years of hour urine collection. Tests are made to the urethra through it. Most transsexuals branch to side with tlie trarrssexual — in education and hard work had to be given determine the level of the male hormones. are not willing to go througli the pain and other states the courts have made it more up). If he has not been used to the male A blood test is also taken and several expense of this operation until it has been difficult. Sometimes it is a simple matter of role before the change, a whole new .set of evaluations made. The female averages from piTfccted. The doctors and transsexuals arc writing a letter and sending the doctor’s mannerisms, dre.ss and habits must be 8 to 14; the tramssexiial averages from 12 to hoping for this or a transplant to become affidavit — other times it can l>e a costly adopted. 30. feasible. and time consuming matter. Once the birth The transsexual realizes that many time.s Lastly, the transsexual is given a battery The social obstacles the transsexual certificate has been changed, other papers in his life he will be criticized for what he of psychologieal tests and referred to a meets are Varied. Some families have com­ can be changed and life can go on. If it has done. But these storms he ran easily psychiatrist. pletely understood and supported — others cannot be changed, then other means must weather because they are small compared to After all of tliis information has been have disowned their transsexual member. be found. Sometimes a church will issue a his life before and he knows that hr would collected and studied, the patient is again Friends arc sometimes slow in acceptance if new baptismal certificate. In extreme eases, make the same decision one hiindmd times interviewed by the endocrinologist. At this the transsexual has kept that part of himself forged papers are a last resort. more, because for the transsexual it is the time the findings and future are discussed. away from them. Some friends (usually Adjustment after the change can be only acceptable and available answer. A very frank discussion takes place and all friends of the family and relatives) are questions are answered. The transsexual is shocked — some think it is a change for the told everything that is known in the field better and necessary. Strangers who do not Before the Gap beeomes a Chism and what procedures will lake place. If the know of the change never bat an eye (if the doctor considers him a likely (and quali­ change is successful). by Fen Gregory fied) candidate for surgical procedure, he is A sex life for the transsexual is difficult invited to join a discussion group. In this at best. Before the change he has a problem group are other transsexuals (in various relating to women because they tend to see A few years ago the term “straight generations is such a threat to the homo­ stages of change and dress), transsexuafs him as a masculine female. In sexual inter­ Lesbian” would have been self-con­ phile movement. mates, doctors and lawyers, and every course he is always the aggressor and can tradictory. No so today! The generation For years the battle fur acceptance has aspect of the transsexual’s past, present and never look at himself as any part female. gap (or the exlablishment barricade, as been fought along a particular line; one future are discussed. This presents tremendous problems. Hetero­ some prefer) has struck the homophile comparable to that which, until recently, The transsexual is then started on a sexual women would shy away from a world. the Negro followed. In fact, homosexuals series of male hormone injections — these masculine female; le.sbians would be attract­ Two young women, for example, were and Lesbians were spoken of as a minority cause menses to cease, voice to deepen, ed to his female side (every human pos­ recently refused service at a gay bar-restau­ whose problems of discrimination were akin body and facial hair to grow, skin to sesses both) but be appalled by his rant in Oakland. California. Why? Because to those of religious and racial ryiinorities. coarsen, and muscles to increase strength. malencas. Another problem is his body - it they looked more like hippies than More important, the argument for their The transsexual is advised to begin living and is odious to him before the change and he Lesbian.s. Their “kind,” they were told, were acceptance into the larger society paralleled working as a male. All this is to give the doe.sn’t want his mate to view it any more not welcome. the arguments again.sl racial and religious transsexual a chance to sample life as a than he wants to - this takes much of the At a joint DOB-Women’s Liberation discrimination: physical male and to sec if it is really right enjoyment out of sex. Because of these meeting in the Bay Area the discussion They may be A (insert any minor­ for him. If he decides that it is not, the overwhelming odds most transsexuals have ended up in a debate about marriage (heter­ ity), but they are just as B (nice, injections are stopped and he gains all of his either abstained completely or they have osexual or homosexual) as an institution. moral, devout, etc.) as you and I. fcmale-ness back except his voice (once the had many stormy affairs which have been Afterwards one of the young Lesbians re­ Therefore if is unfair to discriminate vocal chords are stretched, they do not unsuccessful. marked she felt she had more in common against them because of “A”. shrink). After the change the transsexual usually with the “straight” people at the meeting The .strength of the argument increases if After a period of adjustment, an inter­ has a lot less difficulty in finding a mate. than she had with many of the Lesbians she “A” is inborn, or at least, involuntary. Its view with a plastic surgeon is made. If the Most marry legally — once the transsexual knew. validity, however, depends on “B”. If it surgeon agrees, a double breast amputation has been changed, he can accept his body And the San Francisco DOB Chapter isn’t true, the argument collapses. is performed. This is a rather simple surgical and most of the obstacles are removed and discussion group found its younger mem­ Utilizing this approach with its emphasis procedure leaving two almost invisible scars love removes the rest. bers protesting the criticism of others’ dress on sameness creates a vested interest in on the chest. Hospital stay is two to four A very few transsexuals have a mate and speech habits. It shouldn’t matter, they mural and social conformity. The result in days: recuperation, one week. before the change who remains with them argued, what kind of clothes people wear or many cases is the “straight” Lesbian and The second surgery is a hysterectomy. afterwards. Others try but fail, for after the whether or not their language is seasoned homosexual, persons who have become This is a very traumatic experience to most change the transsexual is not the .same with four-letter words. rigid advocates of the .social and moral females because it completely takes away physical person and many mates cannot Before the gap becomes a chism or the .status quo. any chance to procreate. It is, therefore, accept it. barricade a brick wall, we might well Now! F.nter the young; the new moral­ consider why this rupture between the ity; the belief that the individual has the RIGHT to be different. Basic to this at­ ECCLESIASTES BE DAMNED Lesbian Literature in 1969 titude is the assertion that the larger society By Patricia Michaels cannot leptimately dictate the life patterns an annual review by Gene Damon of social habits of its individual members. It was a simple misunderstanding, of Fortified with this idea, increasing num­ course. You simply read my lack of colors For the first time in years, the report is 1969. bers of young homosexuals and Lesbians to be an admission while it was actually a being abbreviated in the interests of space On tlic serious .side, and less apt to perceive their sexuality in the same manner refusal. I do not traffic in the coin of the and time. please llie general reader, are CONSIDER as other social differences; placing sex realm . . . 1 live in my own world and there All of the titles covered here have been SAPPHO BURNING by Nicholas Dcibanco, practices (not just homosexuality) on the is no room for another. I came to dinner reviewed in the last year in the Lesbiana N.Y., Morrow, 1969, and William Bryant’s same level as variations in dress or life-style and went home scarlet, confused but un­ column. lite r a r y g am e, AL.MOST, N.Y., habits. And individual differences, accord­ offended. And how 1 thought about it, that Statistically, and in every otlier way, .McGraw-Hill, 1969. Both arc good books ing to the new morality, are not legitimate supposedly unintclicctual decision! 1 this was an excellent year. As has been done . . . neither is likely to he (urpular. reasons for discrimination. thought instead of eating, in.stead of sleep­ for .several years, we do not even include There arc always a few novels that deal It is this change in premise that threat­ ing, and when I could think no more, I the several hundred paperback originals that directly or indirectly with sadism and ens to split the homophile movement, for drank to maintain an esthetic distance from fall into the category of hard-core (>or- masochism that are accurately or erroneous­ its advocates have a vested interest in myself. Hollows came back beneath my nography. These are usually more notable ly included in this field. Renato Ghiotto’s non-conformity rather than conformity. cheekbones and my eyes, already deepset, for their impossible writing than their erotic CHECK TO THE QUEEN, N.Y., Putnam, One’s riglil to be different, indeed, rests no longer peered out at the world but content. Forty-three of 1969’s 66 recorded and London, Macdonald, 1969, was widely with that of every other individual’s. burned in hot, honey-colored confusion. I titles were hardback books. Most of these and erroneously reviewed as pertinent here Also it involves a new strategy. People have yellow eyes like a cat, and catlike, 1 are well worth having, and there were a . . . it is not. On the other hand, George seek acceptance, but they DEMAND their have always walked alone, more alone than number of titles that cannot be fairly Rcvclli’s very funny COMMANDER rights. Openly. And LOUDLY. Sometimes, ever because I had just severed the one tie included in tlie .statistics but that deserve AMANDA, N.Y., Grove, 1968, is, and even, DEFIANTLY. that had bound me to anyone. I could not mention again. Only titles discovered be­ sophisticated readers may enjoy it. The question as to whether or not a split give myself, and then you asked me to take tween November 15, 1968 and December History lovers will like THE GODS ARE in the homophile world is inevitable still you, casually, elegantly, gently. 15, 1969, are included, which means that NOT MOCKED by Anna Taylor, N.Y., remains open. However, the possibility of Oh, you are gentle, and I am not. 1 have some of the titles in this issue’s Lesbiana Morrow, 1969 (this is very major, in­ the older, conformity oriented homophile fought, scarring my knuckles and .scarring column are included in this review and cidentally, and well done, so it is recom­ community becoming part of the rejected my mind, rcbidling against a world that some are nut, but we have to have an mended to all). A less successful historical “establishment” does exist. would take my mind and run it through the arbitrary cut-off time. Anything missed one novel, THE ROSE AND THE SWORD, by And it is talked about. Among the stamp mill of conformity, building my own year is picked up the next. Sandra Paretti, N.Y., Coward-McCann, young. private world of books and dreams, de­ Too many of the major titles were loo 1969, includes a couple of Lesbian nuns in veloping the mind of a philo.sopher and the good to select a best or even a small number the cast, one a good kid and one of those heart of a poet but the emotional courage of better book.s. From the standpoint of other kind. of a hedgehog. To be handed something as literature, possibly Sybille Bedford’s A There were the u.sual handful of minor fragile as your heart and as soft as your COMPASS ERROR, London, CoUins, 1968, lilies . . . some minor only because tlie Iwdy . . . I was suddenly all .sharp corners N.Y., Knopf, 1968, leads the rest; but Lesbian in the story is dealt with more or BACK ISSUES OF and clumsy fingers. I ran as I alone seemed personal taste will find most readers choos­ less distantly, without the personal aspects, THE LADDER to run. bark to the sterile, mathematical ing Isabel Miller’s A PLACE FOR US, N.Y., and some minor in terms of p<‘rlinenl pages ARE AVAILABLE precision of machinery, power that 1 could Bleecker Street Press, 1969. Both are major in a lengthy novel . . . INTERSECTIONS control and bend to my will. I bought a must novels. John O’Hara’s late 1968 short by Graham Ward, London, Hutchinson, Prior to October/November 1968, THE machine to tame, this time a motorcycle story collection, A.ND OTHER STORIES, 1969; FANCY by Robert Krepps, Bo.ston, LADDER was issued monthly for the most because I couldn’t afford another car, and Random, 1968, Bantam, 1970, contains Little, Brown, 1969; THE BIG STUFFED part; we now issue six magazines a year. now I flee the winds of wrath that are of three pertinent stories, “The Broken Gir­ HAND OF FRIENDSHIP, London, Peter THE LADDER year begins with the my own making. affe”, “We'll Have Fun”, and the short Owen, 1969; WOUNDS by Maureen Duffy, October/November issue each year. I thought about it and decided that I novel, A FEW TRIPS AND SOME N.Y., Knopf, 1969 London, Hutchinson, had nothing that I could lose but a chance POETRY. His 1969 novel, LOVEY 1969; and Shirley Schoonover’s fascinating Where available, copies of each issue in to gain the: elusive wholeness that is absent CHILDS, also Random House, should be SAM’S SONG, N.Y., Coward-McCann, Volumes 13 and 14 (Oct./Nov. 1968 in my life. You had touched a long-hidden read by anyone remotely interested in the 1969. We can fairly include here Graham through Feb./Mar. 1970) cost S1.25. In­ chord in the atonic jangle of my nerves and literature in this field. Following these Greene’s autobiographical TRAVELS WITH dividual issues before that lime are $1.00 I had responded, but I needed time to learn closely would be THE SWEET DEATH OF MY AUNT, London, Bodley Head, 1969. per magazine. the intricate fretwork of .so complex a CANDOR by Hannah Lees, N.Y., Harcourt, Inevitably several books must have Brace and World, 1969; Olivia .Manning’s special mention. THE DAKOTA PROJECT EVERY MAGAZINE IS NEW UNTIL melody, and with all you offered me, the one thing you could not give me was time. THE CAMPERLEA GIRLS, N.Y., by Jack Beeching, London, Jonathan Cape, YOU’VE READ IT! Coward-McCann, 1969 (in England, THE Your needs were immediate, and my de­ 1968, N.Y., Delacorte, 1969, is high grade PLAY ROOM, London, Heinemann, 1969); science fiction with a very, very major cision came too late. So 1 smiled, as I am CATCHING SARADOVE by Bertha Hams, Lesbian .subplot and very well drawn smiling now, and asked you to be happy so N.Y., Harcourt, Brace and World, 1969;and characters, it is highly recommended. Three that I would not be sad, knowing that my Norman Bogner’s THE MADONNA COM­ titles, all minor, must be mentioned for inability to give had destroyed your op­ PLEX, N.Y., Coward-McCann, 1968, DcU, their literary qualities . . . FAT CITY, by portunity to love. Leonard Gardner, N.Y., Karrar, Slraus and cussed by itself is the very disappointing Giroux, 1969, is one of the candidates for LUCY by Helen Essary Ansell, N.Y., Harper the National Book Award for this year; & Row, 1969. Miss AnscU’s novel is poor Richard Condon’s blockbuster MILE HIGH, but she has already shown remarkable N.Y., Dial, 1969, and London, Heinemann, talent in the short story field and it is .scxual. Homosexuality is practically taboo hoped she will go on writing. This is, by the HONG KONG, November 29, 1969. 1969, is simply delightful to read, and the Margaret Tu Chuan, local actress of note, along with physical violence, nudity and Lesbian portion though minor has far reach­ way, quite major. racial integration. Among the 15 soap Three short stories: Lin Yalta’s wonder­ was found dead in the embrace of her ing consequences; Paule Marshall’s THE also-dcad lover. Ho Miao-chu. Tu Chuan, operas monitored this week there were hut ful “ Fitting” in EVERGREEN REVIEW, CHOSEN PLACE, THE TIMELESS 30, and Ho Miao-chu, 26, left notes asking two blacks — one black male detective . . . May 1969; George P. Elliott’s minor and PEOPLE, N.Y., Harcourt, Brace and World, that they be buried together (this was not and one black female secretary . . . Gen­ not very good “Nikki: For a Couple of 1969, is an excellent novel. done). Tu Chuan, separated from a hus­ erally speaking, the television soap opera is Months” in ESQUIRE, June 1969; and These five are varying degrees of com­ band, left a son. Ho Miao-chu, an interior a lily-white world. Correction: a lily-white Pamela Frankau’s COLONEL BLESSING- petence posing as trash, or maybe the other decorator, had never married. In a television heterosexual world.” way around: THE RAG DOLLS by Simon TON, a short novel first run in the August, interview following the deaths, Tu Chuan’s FREE PARTICLE: NEW MAGAZINE Cooper, N.Y., World New American Li­ 1969, COSMOPOLITAN, and then pub­ mother denied that her daughter was a ARRIVING. December 30, 1969. In an brary, 1969, Signet, 1970; THE MALE­ lished in book form by Delacorte in 1969 Lesbian!! (This particular story must have interview with Dunbar Aitkcn, chairman of DICTION, by Julian Claman, N.Y., Dutton, (this last novel is variant rather than been published all over the world, for it did the Gay Liberation Front in San Francisco, 1969, Bantam, 1970; SEX CAGE by Lesbian). reach me from about 10 different places the .SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICI.E an llonka, N.Y., Vantage, 1969; THE Poetry lovers are advi.sed to watch for all . . . now if you all will just tell me whal’s nounced the beginning of a new magazine, BEAUTY TRAP, Jeanne Rejaunier, N.Y., of the work of new and good young poet going on in the good old U.S.A. . . .) FREE PARTICLE, which Mr. Aitken Trident, 1%9, Pocket Book.s, 1970; and Lynn Strongin (see “Lesbiana”, Octo- ANUBLS, A LOS ANGELES-centcred describes as a “.scientific and literary' journal PROVIDENCE ISLAND by Calder Willing­ ber/November, 1969). The only other social club for both male homtisexuals and by and for male and female homosexuals. ’ ham, N.Y., Vanguard, 1969, Dell, 1970. poetry to report is the glorious Beram Ltisbian.s, was illicitly raided on December Wc haven’t .seen one yet as this is being (Note, please, that only the vanity pub­ Saklatvala restoration of Sappho’s work in 19, 1969. It has been learned since that written; presumably we will and will com­ lished SEX CAGE has so far not appeared SAPPHO OF LESBOS, London, Charles time that two female undercover agents had ment then. in paperback . . . which proves something Skilton, 1968, and the book length narra­ infiltrated the organization: one, Louise SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO about the nature of trash and reading tive poem, CASSANDRA, by William Sulzner, an investigator for the Department HOMOSEXUALITY: BERKELEY, January habits. Many of the better books never get Bentley Edmonds, London, and N.Y., of Alcoholic Beverage Control; the other, 1970. Yes, that is just what it sounds like, into paperback, which is sad in view of the Arcadian, 1969. Laura Jamosky, is a deputy sheriff. No the name of a college course — a two-quar­ cost of books today.) Once again I close with a plea for help. arre.sls were made, but two citations were ter course — at the University of California, The low point in recent years was There is no way any one person can find all i.s.sued, one for selling alcoholic beveragits Berkeley. Numbered Soi:iology 191, the reached bv Lord Snow in his THE SLEEP of the titles. This is especially true of without a licen.se, and the other for allow­ course has been approved by the Sociology OF REASON, N.Y., Scriber, 1969 magazine fiction ranging from popular ing dancing without a license. This outrage Department of the University for the next (London, Macmillan, 1968). This is possibly women’s magazines to the most esoteric look place in the private clubhouse of the two years. It is accredited and to be given the most unwarranted bit of viciousness quarterlies and so-called little magazines. It organization. People prestmt were haras.sed, on campus. The instructor is Roxanna we’ve suffered in recent years. Despite is also true of poetry, which is undergoing a and the police were said to be angry not to Sweet, whose doctorate is in criminology. extensive publicity, by the way, this book very welcome renaissance just now. Please, find something that would warrant any Dr. Sweet is familiar with the Bay Area did not sell well. those of you who read poetry as a matter of arrests being made. We wonder how many homophile community, and it is felt that Humorous fiction, or attempts at it, are personal enjoyment, let me know about any innocent people are murdered in this area .she will do an outstanding job. Many area either very popular or publishers wish this pertinent writers . . . if they seem sus­ each year while the law enforcement agim- organizations have made contributions to to be so. Six titles fell in this area, some picious, let me hear about those too, so cics concentrate on “desperate h<»moscxual enable the course to hr-gin (educational good, some very bad. The best by far was they can be checked and then shared with criminals,” minding their own business on monies have bi'cn frozr-n in the area by the the publishing of Lytton Strachey’s others. private property. Reagan administration), including DOB, ERMYNTRUDE AND ESMERALDA, Lastly, the major titles are obviously SEX IS A PRIVATE AFFAIR: Au.stin, CRH, TAVERN GUILD and SIR. (Other N.Y., Stein and Day, 1969. This was fol­ going to be found . . . but those “big” Texas, AP. December 20, 1969. A Dallas groups have b«‘en contacted and will un­ lowed closely bv Robin Cook’s PRIVATE books with cinemascope casts often contain couple, Mike and Jan Gib.son, filed on doubtedly contribute as well.) PARTS IN PUBLIC PLACES, N.Y., substantial chunks of interesting, valid and December i, 1%9 to show that Texas' laws HBRA, SAN FRANCISCO, January Atheneum, 1969; THE MAGIC GARDEN pertinent material. Some years ago re­ on sodomy arc illegal. Since they are a 1970. Those iiiitial.sstand for HOMOPHILE OF STANLEY SWEETHEART, Robert viewers deliberately neglected to mention heterosexual married couple, it is (|uitc BETTER BUSINE.SS ASSOCIATION, and Westbrook, N.Y., Crown, 1969, Bantam, such material for fear of being offensive. clear that Assistant Attorney General Ihe group concerns itself with informing the 1970; and MRS. MOUNT ASCENDANT by Now, many reviewers arc so emancipated Charles Perrott’s public statement, “We homophile community of unfair business John Goldsmith, London, Hogarth, 1968. they no longer “bother” to mention such have a problem if a married couple chal­ practices aimed at them . . . wonder­ Less successful was Raymond Spence’s fair­ ordinary material as male homosexuals or lenges this .statute,” is about to come true ful. . . To date, all we have si-en is their ly funny NOTHING BLACK BUT A Lesbians. So help, please, where you can. deep in the heart of Texas. introductory letter and a list called Alert CADILLAC, N.Y., Putnam, 1969, Berkeley, SEX IN THE DAYTIME . . . SAN Notice” covering January-February 1970 1969 . . . and dreadful was GUMDRoK FRANCISCO EXAMINER AND CHRONI­ and citing a number of parties engaged in GUMDROP, LET DOWN YOUR HAIR by CLE, December 21, 1969. Dwight Nevvton, questionable enterprises. Jcannic Sakol, N.Y., Prentice-Hall, 1969. writing about -soap operas, comments, “The CALIFORNIA TEACHERS’ UNION Another novel that needs to be dis­ C9 sex in .soap operas is almost totally hetero- ADOPTS HOMOSEXUAL RESOLUTION: turned its back on homosexuals (though his January 1970. The (California Federation of WOMEN’S LIBERATION i.s a catch-all term Article by Judy Nicol with the utterly senseless title, SHOULD WE RECOGNIZE dismissal would not indicate much else), Teachers, at their annual meeting in l.os covering some 20 different organizations. and further .said that homosexuals might •Angeles, December 27-29, 1969, adopted Wc try in these pages to keep them aU WOMEN’S FIGHT? The article itself is good . . . for what it purports to be. Wait, belong to Vineyard though they were still an unprecedented resolution demanding sorted out . . . but don’t be surprised if active in homosexual affairs. .After the the eslabli-shmenl of sex education pro­ you are confused — .so are we. Latest Chicago, till you all hear about the i.ssue of RAT I am going to talk about later. letter appeared, says the STAR, a St. grams and “the aboliton of all laws or other example is that the GAY ACTIVISTS’ Joseph, Mi.ssouri television station asked governm ental policy which involves ALLIANCE was formed in New York City SAY IT LOUD - WE ARE GAY AND WE ARE PROUD; Los Angeles, January 11, Gorham for an interview, but later non-victim sexual practice.” The resolution in January 1970. This group represents a Gorham’s school made him cancel it. He 1970. More than 250 homosexuals and was written and presented by Morgan di^ident group from both MATTACHINE was also forbidden to talk to newsmen, but Lesbians, led by Rev. Troy Perry, chairman Pinney, assistant professor of accounting at SOCIETY of NYC and GAY LIBERATION that was overlooked, obviously. At the time of the Committee for Homosexual Law San Francisco State College, and an active FRONT. Despite the even more radical of the appearance of this article, the dis­ member of the militant COMMITTEE FOR name, this group formed to get away from Reform and pastor of the Metropolitan missal was not certain but was dependent Community Church, marched down Holly­ HOMOSEXUAL FREEDOM. This federa­ the “do your own thing” philosophy of the upon the wishes of a conservative bishop of wood Boulevard this rainy Sunday evening, tion represents thousands of teachers at all “front” group. And on and on . . . the church. Ironically, the article makes it levels of education, and the successful WIN MAGAZINE, January 1970. This in a peaceful demonstration for civil rights. fairly clear that Gorham is, himself, not SYDNEY J. HARRIS, syndicated passage of this resolution i.s an enormous issue of the radical WIN magazine is de­ homosexual. breakthrough for all of us concerned with voted to the Women’s Liberation Movement columnist often mentioned in these page.s, MORE DANIEL GORHAM: KAN.SAS our civil rights in all areas of private and includes a reprint of Martha Shelley’s in his January 13, 1970 column called CITY STAR, January 16 and January 21, behavior. excellent essay, “Stepin Fechit Women,” JOURNALISM RAZING BARRIERS TO 1970. Daniel, dismissed from the Immacu­ The re.solution reads as follows: from the first issue of COME OUT. WOMEN, hits hard at his own craft (the late Conception Seminary in Conception, BECAUSE millions of American ALLEN GINSBERG on the witness males in it) for excluding women. He Missouri, has been accepted by the Senru homosexuals are oppressed by the stand. Chicago, January 1970. In the concludes with, “THE MOST ENORMOUS Cenacle at Jarrel, Texas, another Catholic PREJUDICE IN THE WORLD IS THIS American System, Chicago “7” trial, witness for the defense, seminary. Wc wish him well. Because homosexuals are Allen Ginsberg, was hancssed by the prose­ ANIMUS AGAINST .50 PERCENT OF THE BELATED NEWS: On January 19, 1970 hara&sed and intimidated by the cution in an attempt to impugn his charac­ HUMAN RACE.” Thank you again, Mr. we were informed that the long-promisc'd police. ter by asking him to read one of his poems Harris. book on Women’s Liberation, which is to Because the self-hatred caused by on a homosexual theme. They may well A PARADE OF GAY PICKETS: .San feature a complete history ol DOB, along the system’s oppression is the most have regretted it, convictions or no, because Francisco, January 16, 1970. Some ()0 with addresses, etc., is finally scheduled hideous result thereof. Ginsberg’s shaming replies have been print­ members of the (lay Liberation 1 ront again for publication. It is now firmly tilled Because their ability to hide the ed coast-to-coast. Among other things he picketed Ameriean Broadcasting Company s THE HAND THAT CRADLES THE ROCK; sexual nature (unlike blacks, whose said: “We have many loves, many of which station KGO-TV (and radio), protesting the editor is Robin Morgan, and publisher is race is obvious) keeps homosexuals are suppressed, many of which are denied. firing of KGO-radio’s Leo Laurence. Random House . . . lime now due: May Laurence, an ABC network news editor, immobilized. . . . Becoming aware of these loves is the 1970. W'e also learned that in addition to Because the government’s only way this nation can save itself and was fired the day after he took part in a Gene Damon’s chapter on DOB, there will Gay protest again.st the San Francisco anti-homosexual policies set the tone become a democratic nation.” be another chapter on the Lesbian in the EXAMINER. Only two arrests were report­ of homosexual oppression as nation­ WBAI-FM, New York City, has a regular liook, authored by our own Martha Shelley. ed, and no violence . . . the pickets carried al policy, program called, “By and for the Homo­ It is noted, also, that Ihe Lesbian is the only the usual “Gay Love Is Good Love and THE CALIFORNIA FEDERATION sexual Community,” every Thursday at sfiecial group to have “double appearances OF TEACHERS DEMANDS: 9:00 p.m. “Love. Thy Brother” signs . . . (Love throwing that “usual” in there . . . re­ in the book. (1) The abolition of all laws or FAMILY WEEKLY, January 4, 1970. TEXAS LAW OUT: Dallas, January 21, member when it wasn’t so usual???) Unimi other governmental policy which in­ We don’t know what this newspaper-type 1970. The previously cited attempt to have locjil 51 of the National Association of volves non-victim sexual practice. magazine is, but .suspect it is a local item. the Texas sodomy law thrown out worked. Broadcast Employees has been fighting the (2) A vigorous life and sex edu­ This issue of FAMILY WEEKLY has a On this date a three-judge tinited District firing for Leo, and he has been receiving his cation program at all school levels ridiculous and highly insulting article on (k)urt in Dallas unanimously declared tin- pay check regularly from the station since which explains the various American women, called WOMEN WILL CHAL­ law unconstitutional. life-styles. LENGE MEN, listing a handful of token the firing. SAN DIEGO, LOS AN(;ELE.S, DOB CONCEPTION, MISSOURI, January 15, WHAT GROUP DID YOU SAY? Long females in top jobs. . . blcah!!! AND REV. I’ERRY. Friday, January 23, 1970. KANSAS CITY STAR for this date before you read this there wiU undoubtedly DEL MARTIN AND PHYLLIS LYON’S 1970. Special to THE LADDER. Twelve carries the story of Daniel Gorham, dis­ be another 10 new groups with very similar wonderful article on the Lesbian, which visitors from the San Diego DOB chapter missed from the Immaculate Conception names in New York City, San Francisco and first appeared in MOTIVE MAGAZINE in attended Ihe meeting of Ihe lajs Angeles Seminary at Conception, Missouri for his Los Angeles. There are almost as many the March/April 1969 issue, was reprinted chapter, and the' approximately 40 women letter to the editors of LOOK magazine that groups for them as there are gay people, on January 9, 1970 in the LOS ANGELES attending heard Rev. Troy I’erry speak appeared in that magazine’s January 13, and the last year has created a number with FREE PRESS. We believe this “under­ about the METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY 1970 is.sue. Mr. Gorham describes himself as almost identical names . . . all sounding ground” newspaper has very wide circula­ CHURCH. president of THE VINEYARD, an organiza­ vaguely like GAY LIBERATION and GAY tion at least in major cities, and are pleased CLEVELAND, CHICAGO, RITA tion founded in 1967 for both hetero­ WOMEN’S LIBERATION. Eventually, since that the article could, therefore, reach so LAPORTE AND ALAN DOUGLAS: they are all radical groups, they will begin many. sexuals and homosexuals who wish to give Special to THE LADDER: Television and themsrdves to the church. In his letter Mr. to be referred to collectively as GAY MIDWEST MAGAZINE, CHICAGO radio audiences across Ihe country were Gorham spi'cifics that the church has not LIBERATION, in much the same way that SUNDAY SUN-TIMES, January 11, 1970. treated to interviews with Rita Laporte, surely an enormous increase and a good Kansas, February 1970. The students of the FREE, University of Minneapolis’ national president; Eve Devon, president of sign. VATICAN CITY, January 26, 1970. Sociolc^ Department of this school com­ homosexual group, appears to be growing Cleveland DOB, and Staeey Smith, member The Vatican has refused accreditation to a piled 28 questions for Rita Laporte to and making .substantial strides. Their third of Cleveland DOB, late in January 1970. West German diplomat, Elisabeth Muller, answer . . . by long distance, having Rita newsletter, dated February 10, 1970, indi­ They took part in a two-hour panel on the grounds that she is a woman. The tape the two-hour question-and-answer ses­ cates they are pretty well organized and discussion on the Alan Douglas Radio Show Vatican spokesman made it clear that the sion for their use. The tape and several doir^ well. Good for them. on January 23rd and taped a half-hour Vatican will only allow men to hold issues of THE LADDER were provided to DEAR ABBY, February 12, 1970. television show. Audience reaction was high-ranking diplomatic posts to the Holy the school. Abby's column for this date (and close favorable and we have received reports from see. This is a serious outrage, and we hope BACK ON THE HOME FRONT, San datea in other cities) contains a letter from all over the western and northern portion.s something will be done about it. Francisco, February 1970. While Rita has a mother lamenting her lack of a grandchild of the U.S. where these shows were carried. ORDER DENYING REHEARING: been roaming far from home to speak in because her only child is homosexual. The trip to Cleveland, partly financed by January 27, 1970. With that cold legal various other areas, the .San Francisco chap­ Abby’s reply is sensible, but she suggests tile station, gave Rita a chance to meet with term, the fight for the listing in the yellow ter has been speaking locally to various that those whose children are dead are the the newly chartered chapter. Eve Devon, pages . . . reported here a number of times groups. The Council on ReUgion and the only ones worse off . . . which is a change chapter president, reports that the "partici­ during the past year . . . was denied. On Homosexual lined up women from the San . . . remember when we were a “fate worse pants enjoyed themselves immensely.” The AprU 25, 1969, CRH, SIR, TAVERN Francisco DOB, NOVA and GAY than death”? Cleveland chapter has been inundated with GUILD and DOB filed suit against the WOMEN’S LIBERATION to speak, and WHIFFENPOOF’S VANQUISHED: requests for information ever since. ON TO Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company during January talks were given at San CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, February 12, CHICAGO: Rita Laporte arrived in Chicago for refusing to list all of the organizations Francisco State College, Berkeley H i^ 1970. The tables down at Mory’s, Yale’s on Sunday, the 25th of January. Sharon under “ Homophile Organizations” in the School and Sequoia High School in aU-male refuge, have been attacked by the James and Kay Kelly of the Chicago DOB yellow pages. As reported last issue, the suit Redwood City, California. As this is written female Yale student body. Members of the were on hand to greet her at the airport. was found in favor of the defendant, and we have no further information regarding law association and the women’s alliance Later that evening a meeting of the group now, the rehearing has been denied. Big the group identified to us as GAY staged a successful sit-in on February 5, was held in Rita’s honor at the home of a Brother now decides whether you can find WOMEN’S LIBERATION, and suspect it is 1970. Results unknown at this time. member. Various plans were gone over to your own people . . . as always. only an auxiliary of one of the male groups HOUSTON CHRONICLE: February 15, give publicity to the group and increa.se its BERKELEY TRIBE, January 30,1970: in San Francisco . . . we are inquiring and 1970. Unlikely as it might seem, this size Aleta Styers, past president of NOW, Gale Whittington reports in this issue the will report if anyone bothers to answer the paper’s Sunday .section article on women’s was the featured speaker at the meeting. January 18, 1970 harassment of Arthur inquiry. (See “Women’s Coalition” report.) liberation is one of the finest of the .short Currently serving on NOW’s Public Re­ Ornales, a Mcxican-American homosexual. RAT, February 6-23, 1970. With this studies yet to appear. Arthur Whitman’s lations Committee, Aleta spoke of the Omales’ apartment was invaded by two issue, RAT magazine (it is not a typo­ “Gals Who Picket, Protest and Publicly Lesbian's role in the feminist movement military policeman and four city policemen graphical . error — the magazine is named Burn their Brassieres” is good, despite the and stressed the point that the goals of the without search warrants and without per- RAT) was liberated by women of the terrible title and the male authorship. He Daughters of Bilitis were not unlike those mi.s.sion. They questioned him about an Women’s Liberation Movement in New even manages to point out that the move­ of her organization in many respects. AWOL soldier. On learning he knew no- York City. The paper’s sub-title is “subter­ ment is similar to the black movement and NOW EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: thmg of the soldier, the policemen beat up ranean news,” and it is a political the homophile movement. CHICAGO, January 24,1970. Several mem­ Ornales . . . shoved him into a bathtub and hodge-podge . . . imitative and derivative, MORE ON REVEREND PERRY: NEW bers of the Chicago DOB attended this struck his face and chest repeatedly. An or maybe it is just that pseudo-revolution- YORK TIMES, February 1.5, 1970, carried day-long meeting of NOW' in Chicago, account of this atrocity did not appear in ary canteanberepeatedjustsomany times a fine article on Metropolitan Community which featured prominent women from all the San Francisco establishment press: THE before its effect wears thin. In any case, this Church and the work it is doing for over the U.S. speaking on women’s prob­ CHRONICLE had an article about it but it issue of RAT is about women, and it homosexuals and Lesbians in Los Angeles. lems . . . except, of course, for the did not appear, at the request of the police contains an article by Robin Morgan — The resultant publicity is excellent, in­ Lesbian. Much of the material, however, department, according to the TRIBE. Al­ “Goodbye to All That” - that would be ducing even such far-away areas as the including the areas dealing with work, was though there are about 90,000 homosexuals must reading if it had come wrapped in DETROIT FREE PRESS columnist Shirley applicable to all of us. And the burning in San Francisco, they are still subject to almost any other kind of garbage. Edcr to run a short mention of the church brand that tops them all is that in 1968 the the whims of the police, and complaints KPFA, Berkeley, February 7, 1970. and its purpo.se, and SAN FRANCISCO median income for year-round full-time from citizens are given the cold shoulder by Special to THE LADDER. Roland Young CHRONICLE writer John Dart provided a MALE workers in the U.S. was $7,814, and the “authorities.” gave the homophile movement another pub­ good write-up for the group, too. for WOMEN, $4,560. IN PUR.SUIT OF THE AMERICAN lic boost on his February 7th radio show, OPEN AIR PUBLICITY? KQED radio, WOMEN’S LIBERATION IN WOMAN: HARPER’S MAGAZINE, on KPFA, Berkeley. A portion of the San Francisco, February 16, 1970. Rita (.HICAGO: Just prior to the NOW meeting, February 1970. Edward Grossman’s program was devoted to questioning Leo Laporte was interviewed by feminist sup­ the CHICAGO TRIBUNE ran a long article thus-titled article is a reasonably intelligent Lawrence, Don Burton and Sheila Finney porters Mr. and Mrs. Baranco at noon on on the Chicago Women’s Liberation group look at women’s liberation from a male (of the San Francisco DOB chapter) about KQED live. The one-hour ques­ . . . so-so coverage. viewpoint. While not as good as Richard E. the increased activity of homophile organi­ tion-and-answer session was done outdoors NO SPACE. We haven’t room to report Parson’s articles, this is certainly zations in the Bay Area. The participants at Zellerbach Square on a cold and windy on all the suits being filed across the second-best, and it covers the subject from found a friend in the black radio an­ day. Reports indicate the interview was country on behalf of women who are being every possible literary and sociological nouncer. In addition to extending his per­ successful except for the fact that the discriminated against in job situations. It is aspect as well . . . worth reading, if you sonal well wishes, Mr. Young offered to interviewee “developed uncontrollable enough to note that some 20 such cases are can keep your temper during the slips . . . publicize events of the Daughters of Bilitis shivering and turned blue.” Oh well, proves clipped and sent to me each month . . . SACRED HEART COLLEGE, Wichita, on his show. we are human. jeets, articles, news of chapter events, pro­ METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY Guild, appealed to the State Supreme Court 1970. A mother asked Ann to rerun a grams for chapter work, it is 10 times the CIICKCII and ANN LANDERS: February of California on February 27, 1970. The recent column on Lesbians because .she has “magazine” our beloved LADDER was in 16, 1970. ,Ann’.s column for this date (and suit asks the court to overturn a State “a daughter in college who writes she has its first year of publication. If you’d like to close dates in othercities)hasa letter from a Public Utilities Commission ruling which fallen in love with her roommate.” Ann’s see a copy, write to the Boston chapter Los Alíseles resident who signs himself backed the telephone company’s refusal to reply was first to find out if the roommate “ R esident of the World’s Largest address, elsewhere in these pages, and IN­ list the organizations in the yellow pages. CLUDE AT LEAST $1.00 (don’t be a was a boy or a girl . . . and her usual Open-Air-Lunatie Asylum,” all about Rev. ATLANTIC MAGAZINE, March 1970. second half-reply, suggest therapy, and if Troy Perry and the MCC. Rev. Perry and charily ca.se). The entire issue is devoted to “Woman’s not, LEAVE HER ALONE. the rhureh aren’t named, but the poor guy AND WHILE WE ARE IN BOSTON: Plat;e” and the general tone of the whole SAN DIEGO, March lO, I970. Bobbi is shook up to think there is a church for Special to THE LADDER. The Steve issue is sick. One article, “What Arc You Gove, president of San Diego’s chapter, homose.xuals. However, even with his ani­ Fredericks Talk Show on WMEX devoted Supposed to Do If You Like Children,” by spoke lo about 40 studenLs in a social mosity, he makes one very telling remark: an hour to upcoming Massachusetts law novelist Anne Bernays, is unbelievably .science course at San Diego State College “When the word gels around, you won’t be reform bills, February 20. 1970. Panelists viciou.s. Why she hates women so violently . . . usual basic data . . . respon.se was able to get into the place.” Ann’s answer i.s on the program included Laura Rohin of might make interesting clinical reading, but good, and this is encouraging in this area, excellent . . . Boston DOB, Frank Morgan, president of it does not belong in even a lukewarm for unlike much of California, this is a IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT. HUB (a Bo.ston men’s group) and Boston picture of the liberation movement. The conservative locale. Fehriiary 17. 1970. Special to THE lawyers Alan Cook and Peter Connolly. The title is e.specially irritating when even the NOW WE ARE NINE: President Rita LADDER. Sally Jes.sy of Station WIOD, three bills in question cover those items most conservative are now pointing out that Laporte is happy to announi:e that as of Miami (NBC) interviewed Rita Laporte by being currently debated in many states, the we cither voluntarily restrict birth or the March 15, I970 there are NINE CHAP- long distance telephone at 1:00 A.M. this restrictive .sex laws, which hurt heterosexual “big brothers” arc going to do it for ps. TERS OF DOB . . . their addressi's are dale. The ,30-minute interview was live at and homosexual alike (though seldom, iron­ Miss Bernays may be remembered by read­ Usted on the official page elsewhere in Ihis 4:00 .A.M. in Miami (audience??). Interview ically, affect Lesbians). ers of THE LADDER for her 1962 minor issue . . Newly chartered groups are was as a result of Rita’s letter in PLAYBOY MORE IN BOSTON; On February 23, Lesbian novel SHORT PLEASURES. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, RENO, NEVADA last summer. 1970, members of the various male homo­ T hou^ paperback reprints seldom include and MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. For PUBLICITY COES ON AND ON. The sexual groups there testified before the any biographical data at all, we noted that those of you in the still-unchartered groups, power of the pre.ss, especially fora group as Judiciary Committee of the state legislature the 1964 reprint of SHORT PLEASURES it is encouraging to you (wc hope) to add small and financially re.stricted as DOB, Ls a in favor of the,se bills. DOB’s testimony was explained that Mi.ss Bernays was a graduate that the Reno, Nevada chapter has beim in ble.ssing. That long-ago PLAYBOY letter submitted by letter. It seems fairly apparent of one of the 7 sisters but was safely the works for almut a year-and-a-half . . . referred to above al.so recently (February that most states will eventually adopt simi­ married and the mother of three. so don’t lie impatient - it just takes work 1970) brought us inquiries from .New lar laws . . probably within the next 10-20 NEW YORK DOB: PAGEANT MAGA- and time. Zealand women interested in starting a years. This all means that some 25 years ZINE, March 1970. This issue of AND YOU LAZY SOULS who live in or chapter of DOB. . . from now we will b<- about where ordinary PAGEANT contains a verbatim reprint of near DENVER, COLORADO and PORT­ JILL JOHN.STON, VILLAGE VOICE, homosexuals and Lesbians arc today in Enid Nemy’s NEW YORK TIMES column LAND, OREGON and DETROIT, and have yon read anything like this lately? Great Britain . . in precisely no different a on Lesbianism which was partly about the MICHIGAN, gel going, at least investigate This woman has a column called DANCE po.sition than they were BEFORE the N.Y. chapter of DOB. Very wide coverage, your nearest group and maybe help a little, JOURNAL which appi’ars regularly in Wolfenden Laws were passed, as reported in but this is a mixed view . . . loaded with too. The rewards are great. VTLL.AGE, VOICE, di.seu.ssing everything these pages in CROSS CURRENTS too much Dr. Socarides. . . (Those of ypu DENVER DOB, P.O. B0.X 90.57, but the dance . . . which confuses some of February/March 1970 by Yorke Henderson, who wrote to suggest that Dr. LI. SOUTH DENVER STATION, DENVER, the readers not old enough to have heard of writing for the SAN FRANCISCO CHRON­ Sockitome, THE LADDER, December/Jan- COLORADO 8Q209, Havelock Klli.-. The dance this lady dis­ ICLE. Legislation is, in this instance, like uary issue, is related to Dr. Socarides are PORTLAND DOB, P.O. BOX 8857, cusses is of vital importance to us all . . . taking “one baby step” in “Mother, May thanked for your views.) PORTLAND, OREGON 97208. the life dance. Her February 19, 1970 1?” PLAYBOY AGAIN. March 1970. DETROIT DOB, P.O. BOX 4490, DE­ column, W ll.AT SEX?, is must reading in its SATURDAY REVIEW: THE NEW PLAYBOY FORUM continues to provoke TROIT, MICHIGAN 48288. analysis of sexuality, feminism and revolu­ FEMINISM, February 21, 1970. In a fairly intere.sting comments on civil rights for NEWS, DAMNIT, IS IMPORTANT: tion. If you are curious and too lazy to buy inclusive article, Lucy Komisar of New homosexuals . . . we recommend reading ALL OVER THE U.S., EVERY DAY, it, write to me and I’ll send you a plioto- York City’s NOW covers the general aspects this section of the magazine, ev*i if you EVERY MONTH, EVERY YEAR. That is eopy. of the new feminine revolution. Not the can’t stand the rest. the headline and dateline I’d like to burn PRAISE WHERE DESERVED: best coverage at all, but in this magazine it BRITAIN WOMEN’S GROUPS: NEW into all of your memories . . . I can only MAIDEN VOYAGE, VOLUME 1, NUM­ will go where it will do more good than YORK TIMES, March 2, 1970. Bernard put material into this column if you provide BER 3, February 1970. DOB chapter news­ even the better coverage seen in some other Weinraub reports that 15 equality groups it to me. I need much more from the New letters may not, under our bylaws, be sold, magazines. We were left out, naturally, but have sprung up in Britain during the last York City and Los Angeles areas . . . and if and each ehaptiT is reijuired to pubtisti une times arc changing, as they sing in the year. any of you in any other city or town in the when able to do so, so they survive on telephone company jingles. 28 PER CENT MORE COMPLAINTS U.S. sec anything at aU about HOMO­ donations from the kind and interested. YELLOW PAGE FIGHT STILL GOING were filed by women in 1969 than in 1968 SEXUALS, LESBIANS, CIVIL RIGHTS Boston chapter's newsletter, MAIDEN ON: SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, with the Labor Department on charges of FOR EITHER OR BOTH, WOMEN’S VOYAGE, .shows ju.sl how much real pro­ February 28, 1970. Attorney David 1. unequal pay for equal work . . . good. RIGHTS, etc., and don’t take the simple gress has been made in the field of rights for Clayton, acting on behalf of DOB, Council (WALL STREET JOURNAL, March 3, time to clip it, mark the publication name Lesbians in the last 14 years. Will) its 12 on Religion and the Homosexual, Society 1970.) and date on it and send it to me, you are neat pages of information on many sub­ for Individual Rights (SIR) and Tavern ANN LANDERS AGAIN: March 6, denying some of your own people, living ió somewhere else, from seeing the news. FLASH NEWS . . . NEW ORLEANS now around the world. Mòre importantly moment. Those who value freedom Please, plea.se help . . . I’d rather be inun­ Has a DOB group forming, and you can they assure us of 0(JR voice being everywhere mourn his loss.) dated with 500 copies of a single clipping reach them at DOB, P.O. Box 24033, heard.) than miss one scrap of national or local Lakeview Station, New Orleans, Louisiana news on the,se topics. 7 01 2 4 . ______Dear Miss Damon: To: Readers of THE L.4DDER I thought you and the readers of From: ORPH.AN VOYAGE, a program for “Lesbiana” might be interested in knowing persons of illegitimate birth and other .social Readers Respond of the existence of the Tartan Book Sales, orphans, including “adopted” orphans. P.O. Box 914, William.sport, Pennsylvania I have been reading THE LADDER for 17701. They arc a mail order hou.se special­ many months, having been introduced to it (The following letter was sent to Mr. enough pressure and fear in our lives simply izing in hard cover editions of current titles by one of the members of ORPHAN Herb Caen of the SAN FRANCISCO in our efforts to get by. The threat of at really a.stonishing prices. What pleased VOYAGE. I have been quite interested for CHRONICLE on January 26, 1970, expulsion from jobs is a real and fitghtening me more than anything, though, when I two rea.sons: One, many members of by the “Action Core” of the San prospect to everyone who is horiiosexual. received their free catalog (I’d sent for it) ORPHAN VOYAGE are of homosexual Francisco DOB Chapter, the Social We at least, Mr. Caen, are fully aware of our was discovering several books of special persuasion; two, THE LADDER is present­ Action Committee of NOVA and the tenuous position in society, as you do not interest to us, including some you’ve re­ ing, through its letters column, a pre­ Gay Women’s Liberation (S.F. seem to be aware — at least aware in the viewed recently. liminary dialogue about the relationships Group).) sense of what it means for a gay person to among different minority groups, persons lose his job. It is not pleasant to hear one’s So, any of your readers interested in building a library of hard cover titles ought of different afflictions. In the Decem- Dear Mr. Caen, hfe described as a “fickle fate” in your ber-January 1968 issue, Helen Sanders stres- glorified gossip column. to send for a catalog and start ordering. We are deeply concerned over the R.L. .ses the differences between the Negro and Your cute and clever attitude treats the “news” item which appeared on November Columbus, Ohio the Lesbian. I'he Negro, she says, is born 17th in the Chronicle, an item apparently homosexual as an object, not so much of this way. Well, so is the bastard. Also, she released by Attorney Melvin Belli’s office, disdain or disgust, but of sly ridicule. We stresses, the Lesbian can “ pass” and few are those laughable fairies with the limp Dear Editor: which involved the firing of the 5 Re May Swenson’s poetry (THE Negroes can. So can the bastard pa.ss — if he wrists, or the bull dykes in their tailored stewardes.ses from Western Airlines. The LADDER, February/March, 1970). You has been adopted. But he does not pa.ss suits and cropped hairdos. Humor is fine — item read as follows: missed the best of all, suggest you all read inwardly. .\nd here is an important com­ “Notes of a Newsnik: Five stew­ in fact, many gay people will be the first to “A Trellis For R” in the Winter, 1969 ks.sue mon factor. That is, we of different afflic­ laugh at the stereotype above, but this kind ardesses on the S.F.-L.A. run, fired of THE SOUTHERN REVIEW, page 78, tions can resemhie those in other groups in of humor is not so funny when it fails to for alleged lesbianism, have retained K.M. one way while differing from tlicm in elucidate the problems in hack of it — Attorney Melvin Belli to fight their Reno, Nevada another. Is this a disadvantage or an oppor­ problems which deserve far more serious fickle fate ...” (E d ito r’s Note; Three readers tunity? concern than this item indicated tK^y do. As a Newsnik, your abilities as a news brought this poem to my attention.) In the sixteen years that I have been gatherer need some developing. There were If you’re setting out to titillate the “directing” ORPHAN VOYAGE, I have, of only 3 girls involved, not 5. They were not general public, then why don’t you carry course, been very much aware of the efforts stewardesses, but held high positions in the the joke a bit further — titillate the good Dear Gene Damon: of other people to overcome their .social management of Western Airlines. The straight world with this — tell them that a Dr. James Pike spent much energy in the handicaps and have often pondered whether charge of “lesbianism” was never men­ person’s sexuality is hardly a matter of pursuit and defense of personal honesty and 1 might learn from their efforts .something tioned. Only one of the girls had specific public concern. Tell them that a homo­ free choice, both ideals close to the concern to help the (leople I have been the most charges brought against her, charges which sexual can function just as well in a job of DOB members. Since his death, his wife, concerned about, people adopted and implied lesbian activity, but which were so situation as anyone else. Tell them that Diane Kennedy Pike, is working to hold denied knowledge of their ancestry, for­ absurd in nature that they were subsequent­ one’s sexual proclivities arc not sufficient together the organization he initiated for bidden to make any approach to their ly dropped, and the Airlines rehired the girl. grounds for the dismissal of anyone, unless those who feel the inadequacies of the natural family. To be quite frank, I have Only one of the women is being represented they interfere with one’s job. traditional church and wish to affiliate with not found too much help in this way. The That will undoubtedly titillate them no by the Belli office. Another girl has been a transitional group. Information about The members of ORPHAN VOYAGE perhaps dismissed from the airlines, but no charges end. And perhaps one day the point will Bishop Pike Foundation (formerly The resemble THE LADDER readers in the have been made public; the woman herself even sink home. Foundation for Religious Transition) can be relative invisibility of their condition and is not even aware of them. She was subse­ (Editor’s Note: There is never room obtained by writing P.O. Box 5146, .Santa the problem that is presenti'd to them in | quently replaced by a man, who has been at to include the dozens of letters sent Barbara, Calif., 93103. A complimentary any effort to overcome their handicaps: Western only a year — as opposed to her 18 by staff membeis of THE LADDER, copy of their publication, JVeie Focus, may Becoming visible. Oh it is difficult to years of service. She is fighting her dismissal by Rita Laporte, and by other mem­ be requested. remove the cloak! on the grounds of female sexual dis­ bers of DOB to periodicals and news­ Carla S. Some of the DAUGHTERS OF BILITIS crimination, and is taking her case through papers. However, whenever any Virginia .seem to believe that if .society would pa.ss the EOC. article appears that we feel requires a laws giving them status, (lermitting them WTiether or not the women are gay is reply, one is sent. Some are printed, (Editor’s Note: Bishop Pike had ex- marriage, ceasing to di.si riminate, that they beside the point. WTiat we question is why some are not. Those that do get into preiised an interest in our work in the would acquire a sort of social security, a the Chronicle would treat the subject of print always get mentioned in THE past, Carla. He was scheduled to sen.se of belonging which they lack now, anti-lesbian job discrimination so lightly. LADDER. They bring us new speak at a DOB convention in past and which it is so painful to lack. They We in the gay community experience people, sometimes from half way years, but was unable to at the last .seem to be wanting something similar to the conditions of adoption, whereby persons of not so different. Kor when one penetrates illegitimate birth can apparently become behind society's delinitions of status, one Whatever Happened to Sally? members of soeiely without prejudice. But finds that there is a deeper .substrata within as I know, adoption does not overcome which the conflicts of soeiely are solved. Of by Del Martin illegitimacy, but only veils it. People vary as course it is difficult lo venturi' beyond the to the willingness they feel to live under a definitions of .society: it is a lonely type of She was a pretty young woman short, served. Mo.sl [a’ople think of Lesbians as venture, and not everyone is equipped lo protective veil. Would ¡1 not be the same lor dark-haired, slim, brown-r'yed, soft spoken. masculine, but this is not the ea.se. the l.esbian, for any homo.se.xual. if society engage in it. Kor Iho.si' who are, ORPHAN When she first showed up at the DOB office In eourt.diip Sally pointed out that VOY AGEslands ready lo offer its re.«oiirces, .should actually give them legitimate statiisf she appeared shy and nervous. She hadn’t Lesbians have the .'Sinie kinds of eoneerns as its Reunion Kile, and its eflorts lo lend There would still be something lacking, and broken up with her girl frii'iid, and slu' other wonn'ii — warmth, attraction, eino- association lo adopted people. One cannot many would chafe and all the answers wasn’t contemplating suicide. But like a lot lional lies with tin' .««'xual .st'condary, com­ come out of such an experience unsealhed, would have been u.sed up. of young women who come lo DOB she mon interests, eompanionsliip. While bul earlier sears do have a way ol di.sappcar- I, as an adopted person, and as a past wanted to meet some Lesbians, wanted to sharing was empbasi'zcd. physical hi'auty .social worker and re.searcher in tin- social ing under ibe impact of reconciliation. talk to them. wa.s down the list. Ihe goal is marriage .sciences, eoid'ronted just such a situation in I bave written Illesi' words for two and building a home. A high pri'rnium is pnr|iosi's; One. lo offer the services of She had to be honest though. Sh<' was a my middle years. .Adotition gave me seeur- graduate student, a nurse who was doing a placed on long lasting relalion.diips, and ilv within society, hut not within the larger OKITI'YN VOVAOK lo Ihosi' mcmbi'rs of sociological study on the life style of the tliosi' who have achieved this become eoiin- the DAI (HITKR.S OK BII.ITI.S who mighi world which includes nature. If one is to female homosexual. Gould she attend the sc'llors and role models. There is less in­ live as a part of this larger wholi', one must bi' inleresli'd; and lo raise questions in their meetings, discussions and social ac livilie.«'? cidence of promiscuity. If it exists, it is minds as well as in my own about how have human ancestry. I groped my way into Would she, an outsider, be accepted by Iht' diseri'ct - certainly a womanly ehar- the population of adopted p( opie, gathered much can be learned by two dillerently-or- aeterislie. ganl/i'd associations (dealing in apparently women in DOB'? (onrage to look for my natural mother, Well, for one year she did and she was - While Lesbians as a nde are not as diffei'i'iil afflictions) from each others’ pro­ found her, wrote about adopted people, and then she disappeared. subject to arri'sl, there is a great deal of gramming. I roin reading IIIK LADDER I encouraged them in their desire for whole­ Sally had made quite an impression on eoneern with the law, Sally observed. There am not clear wlicthcr Ihc Le.sbian finds ness, and tried to conceive of a program the group. She wa.s warm, understanding, is concern also about apiM aranci' and image, licr.scif in ('onfliel with soeiely or with which would an.sweran impossible demand: sensitive to them as human beings. She how to presf'iit one’s sell lo till' larger Mow can an individual who finds liimselt iialurc or with both. Noi knowing this, 1 could laugh with them and at herself. T he society so as not lo be offensive and can hardly make any siiggcslions about placed between two warring lattions, so­ girls opened up to her in trust. And then, obvious. ciety and nature, belong lo bolhï programming other than oulliniug as I have paper done and class over, this warm, .Sally alluded lo certain stages and I,et me describe, briefly, what 1 have above bow Ibe adopted person finds bimself almost intimate, friendship ended. phases in Ihe life of the Lesbian. .'Yt first she attem|>led to build, for [Mr.sotis whose or herself in relation lo .soeiely and nature. Whatever happened to .Sally? we may dress like a man in order lo identify handicap is described in such different ter­ It is fortunate for ns that a solution is asked. We never did receive a copy of her herself as a Lesbian in order to meet others minology that) your own. I have tried to inherent in the situation. re.search paper, as she had promi.sr'd. Eive or out of hostility against a reprej«iive build -something for Iheni which society has A final word. There are so many in­ years passed. The Council on Religion and .society. But she found that there was leiss frowned ufK>n in its policies. I have tried to dividual differenei's. Peotde disagree violent­ the Homosexual was invited to send need for this manifestation of In'liavior circumvent the si-aled birth record whicli ly about .solutions to afflielions. What helps speakers for an inservic.e education work­ when the Lesbian came to accept herself. confronts adopted people as they mature. I one does not help another. Is there an\ way shop for nurses at a San Kraneisco hospital. In the .social aspect of Le.sbian life, Sally have tried to do this in a way which can, for llirougli this problem'? When I releasi'd my Dorr Jones and 1 were assigned to do the found that most prefer home parties to gay at least some ado|)led people, solve their first study. “The Ado[iled Break Silence”, it job. The program was in session when we bars, that they tended toward private circles failed sens«' of idenlitv. Thev havi' been was severely criticized by professionals be- arrived, and we sat down at the back of the of friends with similar socio-economic in­ offered by ()K1•1I.A^ VOYAOK. a Keiinion terests. New Year’s Eve, for example, woujd eaiisi' it was an “inadi'ijuate sample”, or auditorium. Kile, to which they may come and register bi'causi' the participants were tbonghi to be A pretty, dark-haired woman turned Ik: spent at a home party and not out in their names and circumstances, hopeful that overly sophisticated (as readers of the SAT- around. “Hi, Del,” she grinned in rec­ public, for the Lesbian would want lo be those thev wish to rejoin, their natural LRDAY RKATKW). But it has proven lo ognition. It was Sally — shy and nervous with her mate at midnight. The Lesbian is very comerned with parents, will .some day do the .same, In Ibis contain a valid hy|>othesis. The study was once again. Then to my surprise she ro.se rejection - even by another woman as well way. for these few p<‘ople, a reconciliation based on the life history approach. The and strode to the platform. She was some­ will be pos-sible in a deeply realistic way. questions answered related lo various facets what apprehensive because, as she said later, as society. Because of her sensitivity to the other person’s reaction, the Lesbian is They will thus be able to lay the “ghost” of of that life history. It could be .seen in tin.« I had been involved and I was present at her prone to gentleness and exclusiveness. absent parents, they may b«'eome somewhat way that what might .seem different at one first attempt to discuss publicly her adven­ familiar with their ancestry, they may learn age became a similarity at another. Is not In the area of .■«curity, Sally noted that tures in DOB. many Lesbians worried about what would directly and in the perspective of time, why sriinelhing of the same possible for the Sally began by saying she intended to it was they were “abandoned” in infancy or homosr'xual'? Ar«' there any life history discuss female homosexuality, that so much happen to them when they grew old. childhood. .studies made of their lives“' Is there a desire had been reported on the male, but little Emphasis was placed on job security. For \ s I have .seen in .some eases, ps’ople are lo have .sueh sludie.s made“' was actually known about the Lesbian. As fear of losing her job the Lesbian was immensrdy relieved lo have these que.slioiis (Editors Note: Miss I’alon welcomes females, they arc still basically women with forced lo assume a double identity and used answered in this way. They lake heart frOin inquires from orphans regarding the values of a woman and have more in a fictitious name in relating to DOB or was an enlarged scm.se of human identity; they ORPHAN VOYAGE. These, common with women in general than with known in the homophile community by share the human condition with prmple who however, should be directed to THE the broad term homosexuality, she ob­ first name only or a nickname. arc entirely legitimate — yet who are really LADDER editor.) 41 When asked if Lesbians were troubled imderstanding, served to educate the public, we only wish there had been such a child!” about not bearing children, Sally admitted provided a safe meeting place where one is earned through writing, and perhaps the Thus were my frightful suspicions con­ this was an area of concern to some. She could let one’s hair down and participate in best contrihiition I can make at present to firmed: my sister had done, and was, stated that a number had been helero- in-group discussion.s, and lent support in the ac;ccptanci‘ of homosexuals and Les­ .something unspeakable. All news of her sexually married and did have children times of crisis. bians by our society is an article in a actions and condition would be suppressed whom they were rearing. W'hen que.slioncd Regarding the Lesbian’s feelings about publication most concerned with the prob­ where possible. We would hug the deadly as to what kind of life they might wish for men, Sally said that would depend on the lem. 1 am not writing to .sec my words in secret to our bosoms. their children, more times than not they characteristics of the men they came in print. On the contrary, 1 approach this cxpre.s.s«d the desire for them to grow up contact with. She found no particular hos­ as.signmcnt with a deep .sens<- of humility Struggle “straight.” tility toward men in general. and commonality. For a while - about two years - I did As for the Lesbian’s desire to change, When .she first began her study on Finally, Id it be understood that I nol see .Mona very much as 1 finished prep Sally found that the emphasis was placed Lesbianism, Sally said she naively and welcome reactions, including violent dis­ school in Massachusetts and she lived for a rather on feeling comfortable and ac- openly discii.s.sed it with her women col- agreements, to my experiences and beliefs. lime in N<-w York and then went to ecptancc of self. league.s. The responses she received included Ttui idea is to begin a conversation or Oakland, (jlifornia. Then in the fall of .Asked about male and female roles in dead .silence, non-verbal anxiety, analysis of dialogue (perhaps multilogiie is a better 1949, being a reslle.ss sort myself, I drove the Lesbian relationship, Sally indicated her motivation in undertaking the .study, word) between peoplir who are concerned out west to spend .some time, perhaps a there was not a sharp difference, that there defensiveness. As re.sull of the study, Sally with one group’s denial of certain basic year, with my sister. 1 got a job in a small was an evolution of roles dependent upon admitted she did have to sort out her own rights; it is to suggest, in minds and hearts printing shop and lived with Mona and her who has what interest and ability. While feelings. That is why she did nothing with that may nol have opened up sufficiently as mate in my sister’s house. Lots of my own there may be marked differences early in her report, why some five years later she yet, that it is not the homosexual who is a hangups were involved in this ill-fated so­ the relationship or among younger Les­ was only beginning to come out and speak cancer in society, hut people’s attitude journ; nol bring at all trained psycho­ bians, the difference is more in attire than about it. toward him or her; and it is to .stimulate logically, I don’l pretend to know what they self image. The one may be .slightly more Whatever happened to Sally? .She came new ways of regarding and coping with a were. But I respected, or at least wanted to masculine in subtle ways, .such as tlie use of to understand herself better as well as situation as old and, 1 suspect, as lasting, as make-up or in manners. There is little others. She became a nurse among nurses. mankind. maintain a respect for, my sister; I fell 1 could talk to her as 1 could not with my correlation in the sexual role where there is She is now the director of education at a parents; and, in fact, I was quite dependent more a concept of sameness. Passive and San Francisco hospital. Awakening on her as I had been since .she had changed aggressive is more an attitude tlian a life It was a warm summer evening in 1947 my baby diapers. style, Sally concluded. (Del Martin is one of DOli’s found­ when my sister, bark east from the % om­ en’s Army Corps in California and a couple 'I'hal stay was to last not quite three As to value of an organization like DOB, ers. She and Phyllis Lyon are now mouths. Whatever I had rxpeeled to find Sally noted it stemmed from a concern for working on a definitive study of the of years of civilian employment llicre after the war, asked to talk with me and (explain out west with my older, and wisiT, sister, I general welfare and mutual benefit, helped Lesbian for a major publi.shing com- did nol find. We all drank loo iiuieh on individuals to find self knowledge and .self pany.) .something about her that was important for me to know. We sal at the dining room several oeea.sions; oiu:e I had to sit through table ill our parents’ country house, and a a .sexy daiiee by Mona’s mate as Ravel’s 26-year-old woman haltingly, sometimes “Bolero” filled Ihe room (I felt quite tearfully, explained to her 16-year-old uncomfortable because, however appealing younger brother how she didn t like men she looked, my knowing .she was queer but preferred women, how this waswhyshe made the whole performance unexciting to by Jack Stroud had to leave the W.A.t., before her enlist­ the point of di.sgusl); and the “three s- ment was up, and how sorry she was to -a-erowd” situation broke apart one evening in November, after which I returned to New I AM A HETEROSEXUAL MALE, 38 rii^t to accept fully as brother or sister any have to tell ini' this. Both of us drank a hit loo much; and York. years old, divorced, and the father of two person, regardless of race, color, previous .Since then, some 20 years ago, my sister healthy boys aged 10 and 7. For the past 22 when my sister went to bed around condition of servitude, or sexual orienta­ and I have nol spent more than a few days years, 1 have lived with the knowledge that tion, who lives with a concern for other midnight, I remained highly oviTwrought and went down to a nearby lake for a lime together at a lime, and lhe.se times have my sister, ten years my senior, is a Lesbian. people and for the right of everyone to self been few. But mark my words; .she has been On Gene Damon’s kind invitation, I am alone under the stars. Rowing out onto the expression consistent with the common very often on my mind and in my life, and honored to give “my side of the story,” lake, 1 alternately .sobbed convulsively and good. Specifically in the case of homo­ her effect on me has been far greater, in that is, what it has meant to me to learn, to eurstid God for visiting on me and on my sexuality, 1 believe that no one, whether many areas, than 1 sometimes care to admit. adjust to, and accept the fact that my older sister this unnatural, evil curse. 1 was a little secure in his conviction of heterosexuality There were the times - and they are ^ sister is, as we used to .say, “not like other or fearful of exposing a latent or real drunk, a lilth' more .shocked, and greatly girls.” confused. What did it all mean? Was my legion — when I found myself unable or homo.sexuality, has the right to ridicule, unwilling to tarry through a relationship It is an awesome task and requires, as I sister some kind of inhuman ogre? denigrate, or prosecute the gay male or with a girl to its logical conclusion, when see it, a good understanding at the outset 1 was nol the only one .shocked. I was female who practices his or her love and sex something or a number of somethings pre­ between reader and writer as to my pur­ .soon to learn that my (our) father and ideals privately and honorably. If I can be vented me from expres.sing and acting out a poses in accepting it. In the first place, 1 mother were equally, if not more, dis­ of the smallest help in furthering this kind beginning love for another pi:r.son. In large support the objeetives of DOB and of its of human and humane viewpoint, 1 shall be mayed. “When we first heard that Mona publication. The Ladder. 1 believe that it is was in trouble,” one of them said, “we of part, I think now, this was my upbringing œmpensated many times over. and parental outlook restraining me and nothing less than humanly and spiritually In the second place, much of my income course thought there was an illegitimate child. Now that we know the real trouble. had little or nothing directly to do with my 41 But now I began haunting the place. Ju^ these matters are largely over for me now, sister. .\nd yet . . . could 1, too, be watching this Amazon tapping away at the homosexual? (I had had, as most boys do — and I have hopes are coming to a close for cash register keys was a delight. She 1 know now, but knew not then — a couple, my .sister as well. 1 reached, between a year a little while adding my purchases; and her of homo.sexual experiences which had been and two years ago, a sure knowledge deep soft, husky voice would echo in my ears the quite pleasant.) Was homosexuality .some­ down that I am heterosexual. 1 am glad of this, because 1 am not looking for one more rest of the day. thing catching, like the flu? Did it run in Shortly after her arrival, I began to have problem to deal with. And 1 am glad for my families? vivid, always-the-same dreams. In them, this sister, who has found a purpose she believes I began to get the unmistakable im­ b^, voluptuous blonde would charge into in, and one I believe in: a bringing into the pression that most girls rather objected to my apartment and pounce on me like a open, for di.scussion and acceptance if not boy.s, that women considered men more or tiger in heat. We would go down on the less animals only, led by the penis, inter­ for enthusiastic acclaim, the proposition floor together, growling and purring, ‘ con­ ested in quick sexual satisfaction and not tliat the homosexual has a right to his or sumed with passion,” as the saying goes. the least bit eoneerned with the higher her private life and emotions and loves to Sometimes I’d wake myself up beUowing, things in life - with sensitivity, creativity, the very same extent that any other human hired by the Embassy had uncovered “I.ealie, Leslie!” love and compassion. Did not my .sister, my being has that right. I couldn’t find anyone around the Em­ fraudulent cash register tapes and had ac­ older, wi.ser, sister, believe this and express 1 look back and know beyond any bassy who knew any more about her than cused her of stealing several hundred dol­ her belief frequently? doubt riiat my own process of adjusting to that her first name was leslie. It was rumored lars’ worth of merchandise. The Security Then there were the implicit assump­ and accepting my sister’s Lesbianism was a that she’d come to Paraguay from San Officer, Pat Doyle, had taken her passport tions — sometimes the explicit declarations long and hard one. 1 al.so know that it does Francisco to study Spanish, but no one as bond until the PX investigation was — that I was latently homosexual and trying not compare with her difficulties. But the really knew why. Just when I’d braced complete. Until her innocence was estab­ desperately by outward conformity to hide point is that homo.sexual and heterosexual myself to defy protocol and invite her to lished, she could neither get another job nor the fart from others, and especially from alike were and arc faced with obstacles, my apartment for dinner, Leslie dis­ leave Paraguay. She called Pat names 1 hadn’t heard before or even read In Tropic myself. This was a horrible thought to some or many of which need not have been appeared. contemplate! in the way. 1 thought at first she must have been on Capricorn. I didn t much care for Pat WTiy was it .so horrible? For .several Had there been, for example, a greater sick leave, but she simply never came back myself, but that’s another story. reason-s. I suspect that the strongest of them understanding, or just a greater tolerance, to the PX. Her replacement, a baggy wife of At two A.M., I hailed a taxi. Leslie blew was my own ignorance of what homo­ of the homosexual in our society, the one of the Embassy officers, remarked that me a kiss, and I repeated my promise to see sexuality was. 1 .simply did not understand pressures on my sister, on me and on our she’d heard Leslie had been fired for “irreg­ Pat about her problem as soon as I got to the condition, or phenomenon (1 didn’t parents would have been to some extent ularities” ; but I was afraid to delve too work. know what to call it, much less describe it). di.ssipated. If people’s minds now were deeply into the matter for fear of calling Promptly at nine next morning, I paid a And as the years went by without my going generally more open to the fact that the attention to my “uimatural” interest in her. call on Pat. During my impassioned defense to bed with a girl in spite of .several homosexual is a human being with talents Embassies thrive on gossip, especially about of civil liberties in general and of Leslie in opportunities, I could not shake myself free and needs similar in many ways to any unmarried females who appear to prefer particular, he cleaned his nails with a letter from a feeling of dread. other human being, then today’s and to­ that state to the more conventional joys of opener. Then he handed me her folder. Aside from the usual statistical information, There was another reason for homosexu­ morrow’s families with one or more homo­ husbands and children. ality’s horror to me. My parent’s sup­ sexuals or Lesbians would surely have an Between my daily work in the file room 1 learned she was 46 years old. 1 was pression of the whole “sordid” affair (and I easier and more amiable adjustment leading and my reading of Henry Miller at night, I d thinking how weU-preserved she was and don’t blame them; they too, faced society’s to higher individual and social productivity. almost stopped thinking about Leslie and trying to memorize her home address when censure if the knowledge should out). And No doubt .such a millenium is a long way having my Tiger Dreams. Then, three weeks Doyle broke in. then — well — a feeling .sometimes of great off, if it ever comes to pass. But if this after her disappearance, she telephoned me. “As you see, this gal’s a mess. Divorced personal lack: 1 did not have a “normal” magazine and the people it represents can She told me she was in trouble but four times and now living with a Peruvian .sister, hence not a normal family, and I felt serve to move us all closer to an under­ wouldn’t discuss it over the Embassy tele­ exiled guitar player, no less.” “You mean exiled Peruvian guitar substantially deprived. standing of the Lesbian by the larger phone, which we were both convinced was portion of people who willingly or un­ tapped. We arranged to have dinner to­ player,” 1 snickered dismally. My hands were perspiring so badly that the ink started Acceptance wittingly erect barriers to her right to live, gether to talk over her problem. For the to smudge Leslie’s report. I glanced at an But the davs of wine and sorrows over then to all of you in DOB, I salute you! rest of the day, my hands were clammy. auditor’s notarized statement concerning Waiting for her at the restaurant, my the PX thefts and then came to a hand heart beat so fast I began to worry about written confession signed by one Leslie congenital heart failure. The mystery Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright by Jane Alden (Tiaves de Valle dc Jones de Zarate, ad­ woman finally stalked into the dining room mitting she’d stolen $340 in goods from the wearing a magnificent white leather coat A little over six months ago, we, that is giant-size, like: a billboard Coke ad. She PX while working as cashier. 1 was stunned we, the employees of the U.S. Embassy in reminded us of an overgrown Betty Grable: with fox collar. I seated her at our table as much by her audacity as a thief as by her with more pride than I’d felt in years. She Paraguay, hired a cashier for the tiny PX huge blue eyes; miles of blonde hair piled marital hi.story. How did Jones get in there. we’ve been running in the roach-ridden into a somewhat sloppy beehive; perfect looked superb, and all the males — and “How’d you squeeze this bogus con­ basement of our chancery. This new em­ legs measuring at least two yards to the females — stopped their eating and stared at fession from Mrs. Zarate - with a rubber ployee was .so .stunningly beautiful, as the thigh. And no wedding ring. her. That’s just the effect she had. After our second round of martinis, hose?” cliche' goes, that you’d have taken her for Because the PX was mo.stly stocked with His pop-eyes peered into mine un- an ex-movie star ju.st beginning to put on nauseating snack materials and exotic Leslie revealed that a group of auditors weight: really gorgeous, and everything in liqueurs, I seldom bothered to shop there. blinkingiy. "Come off it, Jane. Got an site crammed into her purse without com­ ] interest in her or something?” ment. Then with absolutely no pretext of My blush belied my word.s. “Of course enthusiasm, she unbuttoned her blouse MEMBERSHIP in the Daughters of Bilitis is limited to women 21 years of age or not. Ridiculous. Me? Couldn’t care less for right there in the front room. I suggested older. Write to your nearest chapter. \ women, let alone such a - uh - criminal. I we survey my bedroom and guided her in that direction, but she veered into the just hate to see the Kmbassy gang up on THE LADDER is a bi-monthly magazine published by Daughters of Bilitis, Inc., her. Isn’t she a human being?” bathroom for an aspirin and .some men- “You got me there, kiddo.” tholatum. mailed in a plain sealed envelope for $7.50 a year. Anyone over 21 may Had I been infinitely braver, 1 would When she emerged, I was in b«-d, subscribe to THE LADDER. have .slapped him. .4s it was, 1 had to settle hunched over on one side to give her room for a more womanly mea.sure to save to climb in. My God, what a big Betty CONTRIBUTIONS are gratefully accepted from anyone who wants to support Leslie’s honor at the Embassy, pulling a Grable she was! The bed frame tr<-mbled our work. We are a non-proft corporation depending entirely on volunteer ballpoint pen and a check book from my when she lay down, and I tumbled again.sl labor. While men may not become members of Daughters of Bilitis, many her warm .side like a toy doll. In seconds, ptirse. I wrote a check for $.340 in a have expressed interest in our efforts and have made contributions to further none-too-steady hand. she started snoring husky, .sonorous snores our work. Doyle .started to argue, but he must have that reminded me of an a.sfhmatic bulldog noticed something in my manner that I’d once had the mi.sforlune of owning. I Stopped him short. He took my rheek a.s if prodded her awake and began to caress her NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS and SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER: it were contaminated. full breasts, but her sigh of forlorn en­ 1005 Market Street, Room 208 “Well, thanks, anyway, for clearing up durance utterly froze me. San Francisco, California 94103 Boston Chapter: the PX problem. Would have meant piles of “Got a cold, honey,” she murmured. P.O. Box 221 paper work. Might as well take her the Then I fell like a pygmy trying to Los Angeles Chapter: Prudential Center Station mount an indifferent and indisposed ele­ passport, my dear. If that’s what you’re P.O. Box 3237, Hollywood Station Boston, Mass. 02199 after. ,4nd 1 sincerely hof)c that’sa/f you’re phant. When she started snoring again, I quit. Los Angeles, California 90027 after.” New York Chapter: I snatched Leslie’s passport and ran I am a quiet sleejn-r and am unusr-d to sharing my bed with anyone, least of all San Diego Chapter: P.O. Box 3629 from the menace of Doyle’s look as if I’d P.O. Box 183 been slabbed. And the more I thought with a snoring hulk of cold germs, .so I Grand Central Station about how truly criminal Leslie was, the savagely pinched her awake and ordered her El Cajon, California 92022 New York, N.Y. 10017 more I worried that my periTplive Seeiirily from my apartment. Ordered, mind you. She heaved herself out, presumably dressed, Officer would label me guilty of mis­ Cleveland Chapter: Chicago Chapter: conduct. either by association with her or and finally slammed the door behind her as she departed amid a .stream of .Southern P.O. Box 20335 P.O. Box 2043 becaii.se I had simply one emotion he could Cleveland, Ohio 44120 Northlake, 111. 60164 not tolerate: 1 loved her. For this, I would Gothic oaths. Almost as .soon as the door shut, 1 fell be sent back to Wa.shington in abject Reno Chapter: disgrace, my clearances revoked, banned asleep in a haze of cognac and men- Australia Chapter: from government service for life. My tholatiim. Then tin- Tiger Dream returned. G.P.O. Box 2131T P.O. Box 5025 stomach began to gurgle with an incipient .4 bright, beautiful Leslie bolted into my Melbourne, 3001 Washington Station ulcer, and one of my migraine headaches apartment with a feline gleam in her eye, Australia Reno, Nev. 89503 .slithered into the tiniest wrinkles of my growled, and pounced upon me as of old. I brain to stab and burn. I finished the rest of joyously grappled with her, and our animal passion was so mutually overwhelming that the week in bed - heating pad on fevered DAUGHTERS OF BILITIS, INC. brow, one might say. we sank to the floor intertwined, panting in 1005 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94103 Leslie called me a few Mondays later, a fury of .synchronized lust. a.sking about her passport. Oblivious to Then my alarm clock went off. telephone tappers, I informed her that she Please send THE LADDER for . . . . .year(s) in a plain sealed envelope could pick up her precious document at my (.fane Alden writes that she grad­ apartment. She was .silent for a moment, uated from the University of ...... at the rate of $7.50 for but didn’t beg off or protest. I guess she Maryland in 1958. Sought fame and to the address below. I enclose $ . figured that a deal was a deal. Perhaps she fortune as A.s,sistant Editor, Chil­ each year ordered. was proud of b<'ing able to barter her favors dren’s Book.s, New York publishing at $340 in spite of her age, I ended our house. Soon loathed children’s M A Ml? conversation before she could reconsider. books. Di.scovered that Uncle .Sam is Leslie trudgi-d into my apartment a little a Big Spender. Has been wasting Annpi?QS ...... after eleven, looking like Betty Grable taxpayers’ money ever since. Spent Struck By Lightning. Her eyes were glassy, two years in Lisbon and four years CITY...... State...... Z ip ...... her nos«- red, and 1 could smell cognac on around South America. Recently re­ hir breath. Emba.ssy cognac, no doubt. I turned to Wa.shington, D.G. Next I am over 21 years of age (Signed) . .soh-mnly handed her the passport, which po.st: Laos?) THE LESBIAN IN LITERATURE a bibliography By Gene Damon and Lee Stuart

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING BY AUTHOR OE ALL KNOWN BOOKS L\ THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, IN THE GENERAL FIELD OF LITER­ ATURE, CONCERNED WITH LESBIANISM, OR HAVING LESBIAN CHARACTERS.

DAUGHTERS OF BILITIS, INC. 1005 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94103 $2 plus 25< handling charge.

.w n t regularly receive THE LADDER, a magazine anri thll? this country featuring news and views of the homoLxual and the homophile movement of particular interest to women nortio^n are Women 2145 years old who have devoted a major f ^ assisting the Lesbian to become a more aeams^^'thp readers believe that discrimination unjustified. To these readers your n®”* ** record as an ally in their personal area of deep Se^nJ?Hnn!become and remain loyal customers. Charges for Single insertions of advjrtisement copy are given below. Please mail your advertising copy and check in full to: THE LADDER 1005 Market Street — Room 208 San Francisco, California 94103 ADVERTISING RATES Half Page ...... $45 Inside Cover ...... $100 Quarter P a g e ...... $25 Full Page ...... $ 80

Repeated advertisements at reduced rates.