is to dam up an outlet, which will seek outlet in other ways, often much more serious and socially undesirable than the one they replace.

I have personally met probably a 150 transvestites and maintain a mail contact with 5 or 600 more and I very much doubt that any one of them would submit himself to a course of aversion therapy. I believe that the best thing one can do, is to help these people accept them- selves for what they are and not to feel guilty or shame- ful about it; to help them realize that being interested in gender aspects of womanhood does not necessarily imply an interest in the sexual aspects and that they should therefore stop worrying about being a homosexual; to let them know that they are not alone, that there are thousands more who feel just as they do; and lastly to realize that the expression of the gentle femininity that is within them does not necessarily compromise or de- stroy the masculinity that is their male birthright. In addition, where there is a wife involved, as there usually is, counseling should also be provided for her to assist her in answering the questions and fears that naturally come to her mind. Understanding by the wife can provide more pleasure in the life of a transvestite than any other one thing.

11

So finally, a word about the social prognosis of the matter of feminine expression in the male. It has already been pointed out that much of what is called feminine is arbitrary and subject to social revision. Due to the advance of women into what was previously exclusively male territory, the time is fast approaching when the emancipation of the western male will become a necessity, just as the emancipation of women has been all during the last hundred years. When men learn that gentility, compassion, passivity and tenderness are but human characteristics and no more unmasculine than directness, deisiveness and executive ability are unfem- inine--and these are demostrated daily by women in business-then the arbitrary distinctions of gender will also begain to disappear. When they do the exterior manifestations of it will diminish also, so that the day will come when the members of each sex will be per- mitted, nay expected, to maifest all the abilities, traits and qualities which they may possess for the general good of society and themselves. When this happens

83.