The second objective is that which Virginia outlines in the 'Intro- duction' and campaigns for so energetically; the social understanding and acceptance of the transvestite. The T.V. is not an evil person, not even necessarily a deviationist, but as a person who expresses, in what society regards as a bizarre fashion, qualities that are latent in all human beings. Qualities that should not be repressed but expressed and integrated into the personality in a way to create a more complete human being.

Thirdly, I think there is another and equally important objective and that is 'know thyself. That psychiatrists do not understand us seems evident, and this is not surprising since if they are not transvestites themselves they can only try to rationalize our described emotions, and feelings cannot be described. They can only be understood by those who know similar feelings. For every T.V. who consults a psychiatrist there are many thousands of others who talk only to themselves. Surely now, through the Beaumont Society, we have a unique oppor- tunity to conduct our own analysis — an anlysis conducted among friends who will understand and not reject. An analysis without fear of scorn or ridicule. Yet to do this means essentially to open our hearts; to express in public our deepest and most precious feelings, and this is one of the most difficult things to persuade a human being to do.

How best to go about this I do not know. Perhaps by open letters to the Bulletin, for that would give it a serious as well as (rightly) glossy function. Perhaps by private correspondence or a discussion group amongst those most interested. I hope this letter will stimulate suggestions.

Now this has all been said let me take over from my ‘brother' and try to light a flame in this letter, for if I do not practice what he preaches his words will be in vain. I must seek in him that which gave me birth, which fed me and brought me to maturity.

Even as a child he saw me in him and was afraid, and as he grew I grew with him. Sometimes I slept and with me his soul slept and then he was a very normal boy. But when I awoke we fought, and when I won there would be tears on his pillow. Then he would dress me in sweet clothes and perfumes and give me mirrors to admire my beauty. And he would play me tunes and bring me flowers from the fields, for he knew how strong was my love of music and of nature. When I grew full and fair and complete in my womanhood he rejected other men and sought only the company of women. For he would point them out and say,

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