untold numbers live in daily torment, ridden with guilt, bewilderment and confusion, as a result of not understanding their own natures.

We are different, not only from heterosexuals in general, but even from other minority groups in particular. In other minority groups, at least, their right to existence is acknowledged. Not so the homosexual minority. We so far as the average public is concerned should not exist at all. We. in effect, should not be. We are considered cancerous growths upon society, to be cured as quickly as possible, or if not cured, at least ostracized so that we can never contaminate the "nice" people-the heterosexuals.

We are different in that we have no patterns to grow up by as we first discover our homosexuality; no ready made compasses by which to steer our course. In all other minority groups patterns do exist. The Negro child, for instance, knows from earliest childhood what it means to be a Negro, and what he is up against in society as a result. And from his elders he learns how he can best adjust to this fact. He is fortified and strengthened and prepared for the life that he must live.

But the homosexual young person, just emerging, should he or sheconsult his elders on such a subject, would be met either with a confusion. even greater than his own, or with an attitude of horror.

Thus the emerging homosexual youth feels that somehow, in a way he does not yet understand, he is being deprived of his inalienable human right to dignity. And the first seeds of dissension and lack of self respect are

sown.

Yet. in the face of all this overwhelming evidence to the contrary. the homosexual continues to broadcast to any and all who will listen, "But WE are no different from THEM!" I have heard this remark so many times

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in the past ten years that it has come to sound like a homosexual commercial.

Yes, we ARE different, very different, very definitely so. And because of our serious differences, the internal unity which we lack as a group becomes even more desperately needed. How can we achieve this internal unity? Can it even be achieved at all under the odds that we face?

Yes, it can. It may sound like a terribly radical idea, but why not a HOMOSEXUALS ANONYMOUS, patterned much after the highly successful Alcoholics Anonymous? A place where those seeking help and strength and understanding can go and find what they need by their mutual sharing program. A place where one homosexual helps another, based again upon the premise of Alcoholics Anonymous: that people of like problems can often do more for one another than outsiders.

"Oh," but the more adjusted homosexual would protest, "this would be only for the sick ones.

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No, it would not. Homosexuals Anonymous, as I propose it, would be for the homosexual as well who already considers himself to be at peace with his homosexuality. For who does not need some place where he can go and have his ideals strengthened and recharged and extended? This is why churches exist.

But the homosexual needs guidance in addition to that which he receives in the churches guidance uniquely geared to his own needs. Homosexuals Anonymous can give this to him.

It's a new thought, worth mulling over. A great many of you will merely have your adrenalin raised by such an idea. But a few of you will catch the vision, and will remember with renewed conviction the words of our great Abraham Lincoln, who said, "United we stand; divided we fall." Think it over!

-Geraldine Jackson

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