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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 18. 26th July 1973

Sidelong Glances

Sidelong Glances

Reactions to both the table and the board were very interesting and probably showed attitudes towards homosexuality. Most students passing by gave a sidelong glance to? see what it was all about, blushed, then hurried past. Some bolder individuals clutched tightly to a friend of the opposite sex — almost to the point of crushing him or her — then very bravely strolled up to have a closer look. The majority of those who felt free to look and perhaps purchase, were persons prepared to be blatant about their own homosexuality or a few rare liberated heterosexuals. Despite the trepidation with which the majority of students obviously regarded the table, a small profit was made on sales.

To members of the recently inaugurated Gay Liberation (VUW), the differing response to the board once the table and those manning it were removed, was indeed significant. Our "splurge" remained right through Tuesday and Wednesday. Without the presence of any people presumed gay because they were sitting behind "that table", others felt free to have a browse. One of our number who passed several times on Wednesday observed something like a dozen people grouped round it each time.

The next event was on the Wednesday, when the Psychology Society devoted their lunchtime forum to the topic of homosexuality. Here the response was overwhelming, the smoking room being overcrowded to the extent that even floor space ran out. The speakers included Professor Taylor; Chris Parkin; the President of the Wellington Gay Liberation Front; Paul Kells and Mr S.W. Ransom.

Professor Taylor, having been requested to centre his address around the "causes" of homosexuality, expressed a reluctance to do so. To look at the "causes" of homosexuality he pointed out, carries with it the implication that homosexuality is an illness, a "condition" which can be "cured". His belief along with many others currently involved in research, is that it is neither necessary nor desirable to attempt a "cure".

Meanwhile the question of social justice continues to be ignored. Gay people are still treated unjustly — socially, legally, even psychologically. The Wolfenden Report published in Britain in 1957 opened the way for changes in that "abominable crime not to be known to Christians": ten years later Britain amended its law bringing it into line with the majority of countries where private sexual behaviour of consenting adults is not subject to criminal law. But here and even in Britain social injustice is still prevalent.

Q: Why Do We Do It?

Q: Why Do We Do It?