Lesbian in our society (The)

Lesbian in our society (The)

Erotica compiled as psychiatric case studies

189 pages

18 cm

Damon, Gene. "The Lesbian in our Society." Ladder, vol. 8, no. 4, January 1964, p. 17.

Unusually good non-fiction treatment of lesbianism. The first 42 pages entitled “A Short History of Lesbianism” are excellent despite the brevity, cover many aspects missed by supposedly more thorough studies. There is the usual selection of case histories and they are pretty dull fare by now. However the author is quite sympathetic and does include a number of women not to far from people we know and even one or two we would admit knowing.

"As a student in psychotherapy and advanced psychology, this book seems to present interesting case studies. I have seen and heard others in my classes. However for the entertainment of very young I can see some dangers, (imitation) or the part of young people."

Contested in the U.S.A and Canada by the National Organization for Decent Literature.

A problem that must be faced!

"CASE HISTORY. 1. Paf Survey Case History NO. 201.4 Shelley Q., Waterbury, Conn. Age at time of interview: 22 years, 3 months.
Shelley Q. is an attractive, svelte brunette. Above average in intelligence, she is poised and articulate. She is employed as a secretary in a Waterbury industrial concern.
On a cold, snowy night in early January, the two girls - Shelley and Doris - went up to their room after dinner to find that they had forgotten to close the windows. Although the central heating was on, the room was icy cold. 'It's freezing in here!' Doris exclaimed. '...Let's both get into bed and listen to the radio. We can keep each other warm.''You mean both of us in the same bed?' Shirley stammered. 'Of course! We can cuddle,' Doris said. She was already taking off her clothes. 'I know homosexuality is considered 'unnatural,'' Shelley told her interviewing psychologist. 'But what followed was, for me, the most natural thing in life. It was my first real homosexual experience...'
Dr. Sprague's report - Respondent felt lonely fro childhood...could not relate to either parent; craved protective love. Father drunk and brutal, recommend continued treatment..."

A blond woman leans over to her left, her back to the reader at a three-quarter angle, at the left of the image and occupying most of the visual space. She is fully naked and is visible from her head to her calves. The book's title type covers her buttocks partially. Her legs seem to be together, and the back of her right arm is only partially visible, tucked in front of her hips. Her head is turned sharply to the right, and she looks over her right shoulder at something behind her, at a lower level. Her hair is tied at the back and is straight. Her expression is serene, yet ambiguous.

Identified by the Kinsey Institute as a fraudulent work that rode the coat-tails of Kinsey's work.