size of hands or 6ft. 2in. of height, so it would be completely im- possible for me to take the path followed by the "fun timers," ditch- ing my family responsibilities on the way. Nevertheless, members of this group are particularly in need of an external supporting agency. I do not know how many years will have to pass before Virginia Prince's efforts at publicizing our position will make unnecessary this "either-or❞ choice that we now have to face. My impression is that FPE cannot yet do very much to support us if we determine to fulfill family and social obligations, to remain outwardly men in appearance and masculine in dress. Perhaps the smallness of FPE in relation to the estimated number of transvestites in the U.S.A. is a reflection of the fact that many do not see it, with its presently declared aims as being of any help to them. (Editors Note: An er- roneous conclusion because of the great majority of the country's FPs don't know of the existance of FPE. A better measure would be the proportion of TVia readers who do know of FPE vs. the number who join it. This would be quite large though I have never figured it out.) One might say that FPE offers a too radical solution for many transvestites and that a more conservative approach might bring the greatest measure of help to the greatest number of people. Espe- cially it might include those who feel that they must remain overtly both masculine and male in appearance. To take one small example of what is impossible in the sort of compromise that I have adopted

I cannot shave the backs of hands, arms or legs without it being obvious that I am very different from other men. I hope that the present leaders of FPE will perhaps be willing to make a place in their organization for those transvestites who wish, as far as ordi- nary social contacts (including their wives and families) are con- cerned, to remain "in the woodwork." Without being "active" members in the accepted sense. The knowledge of and membership in FPE would be of help and support to these people. It would enable them better to understand and accept themselves, and perhaps, in their turn, to help support others similarly placed. Clearly the organ- ization I have in mind would have something of the quality of Alcoholics Anonymous, but there would be no need for its activities to include efforts to "cure" the membership of their differences from the normal population.

To summarize my beliefs on the management of transvestism; for all varieties of transvestite there is the need for the fullest possible personality expression within the limits imposed by other bearable commitments. We must "know ourselves." This injunction was

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