Transvestia

the psychological and sociological characterized as masculine and feminine and all the relationships between men and women other than the sexual. She pointed out that gender is essentially a human phenomenon and that very few gender differences are found in animals even in the highest mammals. The crippling effect of this artificial code on the hidden but very real feminine com- ponent existing in every man was illustrated with suit- able scientific quotations and pointed up as a probable. contributing cause of alcoholism, addictions, homosexu- ality and transvestism.

Having described TVism in some detail, with em- phasis on the clear-cut distinction from homosexuality, Virginia let her voice drop an octave or more, and con- tinued to speak as Charles Prince - transvestite! Frankly, I was so entranced I forgot to watch the faces of the guests, but I assure you there was no rush for the doors or cries of "let's lynch the bum!" A quickening of in- terest, perhaps a quiet chuckle at the hoax, was the re- action of these typical leading citizens of a small subur- ban community. Resuming, Virginia's voice, Dr. Bruce concluded by explaining that her motive in giving these lectures was to increase public tolerance and under- standing of transvestites in general; she also explained what lack of such tolerance had done to her many years ago. She further explained that she gave her talks AS Virginia because to give it as a man would only arouse odious prejudices and accusations and she would be un- able to get her message across.

A discussion period followed, and many intelligent questions were asked and answered. One young man showed more than an academic interest in the overlap of TV and homosexuality; my guess is, he may have a relative who is under suspicion. The doctu r, a very observant man, remarked that he had thought Virginia "rather masculine", but no one else agreed. The meeting broke up with many expressions of appreciation for the new light cast on a dark subject. In my estimation, by now each of the 30 present has told at least 5 others, so that in this community there are nearly 200 people who will no longer jump to the conclusion that man-in-skirt= homo-perverter of children.

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