Transvestia

it is a sign of "sophistication" to be under the care of a psychiatrist.

The trouble is that transvestites are non- conformists and refuse to be pushed into the neat little compartment which Dr. Beigel would like us to occupy. It happens that we enjoy, very, very much, the company of our "girl-within" and we only wish that professional people would look just a little deeper into our unconventional behavior before sending us to the hospital.

Viva Sussana, Bravo! I read Beigel's article too and felt much the same way, but having so much else to do, I didn't feel he was worth the time necessary to formulate a reply.

Susanna has evaluated the TV motivation from a somewhat different point of view than I have but I do not disagree with her a bit. I think there are other motivations in addition to her list but they do not conflict with her presentation at all they would only supplement it.

The problem that faces all psychiatrists, psychologists, analysts and counsellors is that they are forced to study, analyze and interpret the emotional problems and behavior patterns of their patients from a detached objective non-participating (and therefore non-experiencing and non-feeling) position. Furthermore they can only bring logical, rational intellectual weapons to bear on the problem. How could you describe to a fur-wrapped Esquimo sitting in his icy igloo munching on a piece of cold whale blubber the pleasures and delights of dining in a fine restaurant with Strauss Waltzes for background music, with a beautiful girl in a low-cut sequined cocktail gown, nicely made up and exuding the fragrance of an American beauty rose.