50.

Dear Virginia:

About this time of the month I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next issue of TVia, so while I'm waiting I thought I'd drop you a line telling you about myself.

I first became interested in feminine clothing when I was about 12 years old. I don't know why. I was never forced to wear anything feminine nor do I believe that my environment was such at the time as to encourage it. May-

be an analyst could find a reason. The only reason I can

think of is that I just liked pretty clothes. The first item I started wearing was my sister's panties. They were pink rayon and this is still my favorite color although the rayon has given way to nylon.

As with most TVs I progressed to other items such as bra, slip, nylons and dresses. At every opportunity I would don my sister's and later my mother's clothing. I was never caught and managed to keep my desires a secret. As far as I know I never really wanted to be a girl, but just wanted to be able to wear the pretty things they wore. I believe I led a normal life as I grew older, I took part in a few sports in school, liked to fish and hunt and dated girls. I had a few highly gratifying affairs with girls while in high school. I have always liked girls and at times I think maybe my adoration of them has some- thing to do with my transvestic desires.

I married when I was 22 years old and didn't tell my wife I was a TV until about a year later. She thought it very repulsive. Since then I have worn panties under my male clothing and have worn a nightie to bed until our child- ren were old enough to comment on this practice. My wife visits her parents occasionally on weekends so there are times when I am able to dress up completely day and night. I hope some day my wife will come to accept my desires. I love my wife very much, but I know our relationship would be less strained at times if she were more understanding.

Perhaps as TVia progresses, others who are accepted by their wives and friends will contribute ideas that can be