Date: Fri, 20 Jan 1995 15:13:57 +0200 (EET)

Several journalists and a sociologist have requested material on Hofaism 
and on the Hofaist minority. The Hofaist minority = a little minority of 
Lesbians and Gays with a distinct and intricate ideology greatly 
diverging from the main premisses and themes of Gay Pride/Gay Liberation. 
Hofaist organisations are member-funded and their forms of activity 
include, home-meetings, courses (an introduction course on the homosexual 
minority, its culture and thought for all interested persons and 
especially those just coming out). Hofaist chapters and Communities have 
been described as "non-religious congregations" in character. Other 
activities include inoffical cooperative projects (singles and couples) 
usually in well-to-do areas, educational assistance or counseling 
(Hofaists stress excellence and high education) and special holidays 
celebrated within the local chapters (Hofa-day, December 3rd; Memorial Day 
for those  homosexuals slaughtered in Nazi Germany, December 21st; 
Homosexual Couples' Day, February 14th and Stonewall Day in June).

The organisation has a collection of instructions in addition to its 
by-laws. These instructions include regulations regarding marriage and 
divorce within the organisation (it is possible to marry and divorce 
within Hofa), the charging of interest to other members, the maintaining 
of historical records about the organisation and the Hofaist movement as 
well as official periods of mourning. The instructions also include 
detailed descriptions of the responsibilities and possiblities of removal 
of persons holding various offices within the organisation. Promiscuity 
or unfaithfulness to one's partner are reasons for immediate expulsion of 
members from the organisation. Those wishing to become members of the 
organisation must first register as associates (trial members) and then 
actively function within the organisation between three and twelve months 
before applying for full membership. This is to allow them to become 
fully aware of what the organisation represents as well as of the great 
difference between it's forms of activity and those of traditional Gay 
Pride-affiliated organisations.

Our mail address is:       The Union of Gay and Lesbian Famlies- HOFA
                            The Council of Households
                           Postbox 332
                           FIN  00360  HELSINKI

Our phonenumber is:        358 0 550 473

E-mail can be sent to:     Njalsson@cc.helsinki.fi

These were a few preliminary notes on Hofa.

Thank you again for your help!

Sincerely,


President of UGLF-HOFA