THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HYPNOTISM

TRANSVESTISM AND HYPNOTISM

by

LEO WOLLMAN, M.D.

cross-

THE transvestite (TV) is a compul- sive cross-dresser. It is because our society is unable to cope with this deviation from the accepted norm that transvestism appears to be rare. However, it is much more common than we suppose. Turtle(1) estimates that there are 3,000 to 15,000 trans- vestites in Great Britain. Statistics in other countries are not readily avail- able because the TV does not norm- ally expose himself to social ridicule by announcing his dress preference. Rather, he indulges in dressing in private or at special parties with other known TVs where problems of common interest such as make-up techniques or matching accessories, etc., are discussed. The availability of vestmental devices to educe a more realistic effect in gender recognition is a favourite topic of conversation. The parties are generally subdued, because a seriousness of purpose permeates the individuals in the group. The male TVs bring their wives to the parties and the genetic females often coun- sel the apparent" females in matters of grace and dress.

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Sometimes this condition is asso- ciated with homosexuality. Despite the reports from others in the field of sexology, it is the opinion of this writer that the incidence of homo- sexuality in transvestism is less than that in the general population. This opinion is supported by clinical material from private practice.

In some circles, the word Eonism

is used synonymously with trans- vestism. It is derived from the Chevalier d'Eon, a nobleman of Louis XV's court, who was France's envoy to foreign countries where he carried out diplomatic missions in the 17th century disguised as a female. François Timoléon de Choisy, who was later known as the Abbé de Choisy, lived for eighty years during the 17th century and 18th century dressed as a female, except for a brief period upon the death of his mother during his eigh- teenth year. The Abbé de Choisy had followed the example set by his close friend, Prince Philippe, Duke of Anjou, the younger brother of Louis XIV, King of France. The Prince's mother, Anne of Austria, Queen of France, often dressed her favourite son, Philippe, in girls' gowns, even at his official_tenth birthday party in the Royal Palace in 1650.(2) All the invited children, both boys and girls, were similarly dressed in fancy, frilly garments. However, it was de Choisy alone who chose to live the rest of his long life dressed as a female.

In the intervening centuries, cross- dressing has not disappeared. It has not been publicized nor written about extensively. Pictures of trans- vestites are available to prove that in every era, transvestism was known to exist. The modern-day Scottish and Irish kilts are considered national dress. The Greek peasant wears a short, full-skirted costume.

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