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Feature magazine of The Daily Tar Heel.
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Thursday, October 4, 1 979
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OTHKathy Harris
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Gay women say choice is not
whether to be homosexual but
whether to act on those feelings
By MICHELE MECKE
Like most young women, 20-year-old Mary is at an age of self
discovery, of defining her values and lifestyle.
But unlike most of her peers, Mary's growing self-awareness has
produced derision and condemnation from strangers, friends and
family. All because she loves women instead of men.
Mary is one or an estimated 10 percent of Americans or 22 million
people who prefer the emotional and physical love of their own
sex. Perhaps 5 percent of American women 8 million people can
be classified as lesbians. The number of gay men is greater,
approximately 13 percent or 14 million.
The statistics are uncertain because homosexuality is taboo.
Although homosexuals have lived in all cultures throughout history,
experts say many persons today are so uninformed that they don't
realize or define their own feelings. And many who do never express
them for fear of scorn, harassment or discrimination.
- "Gay is a heavy-duty thing to call yourself," Mary admits.
. See LESBIANISM on page 6
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Vonnegut hits the mark Warnock's all wet
...see page 4 ...seepage 2
Commercials typify viewers? Bearcats come to town :
...see page 8 . ..scapa 11