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[redacted]
June 13, 1977

Mr. Jerry B. Stout, Editor
Denton County Enterprise
[redacted]

Dear Mr. Stout,

In your June 12 “Reflections” column, you state: “I really don’t understand why gays are seeking rights through ordinances.” As a gay woman whose home is in Denton, perhaps I can help you see why.

First it is necessary to distinguish between overt sexual acts, which as you state are against the law in Texas, and all other aspects of one’s life. For most homosexuals, as for most heterosexuals, the proportion of time spent in actual acts is extremely small compared to one’s time spent at work, meeting friends, and in all other aspects of living. It is to these other activities that the ordinances against discrimination adress themselves. Even persons who do not commit illegal sexual acts at all can be discriminated against at present, as can “straights” who are wrongly suspected of a homosexual orientation. Also, any other group has the right to seek to change laws by peaceful means. If gays identify themselves enough to try to change laws against homosexual acts, they are again subject to losing their jobs, their housing, and their straight friends.

It shouldn’t be necessary to explain why any group would prefer not to be discriminated against. But one point on which there seems to be confusion is, as my mother recently asked, “Why would you people want to flaunt your sex preferences?” There is a difference between acknowledging something and flaunting it. What we want is the right to reveal ourselves as gays without consequences merely from the revelation. A few examples might explain why.

Last winter I was walking down the hall at work. No one was around. I realized I was feeling very relaxed because no one was watching and I didn’t have to be careful how I walked or what I looked at. “How wonderful it would be,” I thought, “to feel this way all of the time.” Can you imagine being guarded all the time, choosing clothes for how well they will delude other people, and watching your conversation nearly every minute of your life? No wonder we like to be with others like ourselves, with whom we can be honest. But when we go somewhere together, a group of the same sex is under suspicion too. I’m sick of feeling watched and judged every minute!

Youth is a difficult time for most people, but for gays it tends to be worse. Realizing that one does not conform to the pattern of one’s age group, during a time when one wants to conform, leads to guilt and insecurity in itself. Religion and family pressures add to these feelings. And lack of older models with whom one can identify adds to the pressure.If young people knew the business and professional leaders in in town and in the country who are gay, they would be more able to realize that they too can lead worthwhile, full lives. Anybody who