I recall very few specific things about my childhood but one event did leave a permanent impression. This occurred when I was pun- ished one time by being put back in diapers and baby clothes. I was so embarrassed that I hid in a closet so the maid would not see me and turned crimson when she discovered me there.

The first experience I recall having with feminine clothing came about the age of puberty. My mother used the bathroom as her dress- ing room and the bathroom closet contained all her slips, lingerie, girdles, etc. I was drying off after taking a bath one day when I sud- denly got an impulse to try on one of her girdles and a pair of lace nylon panties. This experience was very thrilling and I have never since been able to resist similar periodic covert indulgences despite my fear of being caught. My secret wardrobe gradually increased to the full complement of feminine attire but was destroyed several times out of shame. As is apparently always the case, the urge would inevitably return and new articles of feminine finery would be se- cured.

After high school graduation I went off to a military school for my college education. My first awareness that other men might have simi- lar urges came in 1958 when I ran across Sexology magazine and found several articles on eonism, trans-sexualism and female imper- sonation. All of you who are eonists know the relief one gets when he first finds out that there are other heterosexual human males with similar desires.

It was not until I was on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Los Angeles area that I first ran across Transvestia. I need not reiterate here the tremendous satisfaction that Virginia's untiring efforts have brought to the Eonist community around the globe.

Since leaving the Marine Corps I have been a high school teacher and have amassed a rather complete wardrobe of feminine garments. I have had the usual "narrow escapes" with unexpected visitors but have not yet been exposed. I have only met, through the assistance of Virginia, two other eonists and have not revealed myself to any non-TV's. I frequently dress partially and periodically I fully dress but I have never ventured out as a woman. I have yet to get a top- quality wig and perfect my makeup techniques. Though I get much satisfaction from femme-personation, I do have an over-abundance of masculine hair and simply do not make too good an impression

as a woman.

53