RANSVESTIA

never seen inside the trunk before. We found “Alison".. her clothes, her books, letters. I told my story as I lifted each thing. . and I was crying. Crying because Alison's things were so pathetic, because of lack of pri- vacy, Al had been unable to launder, have cleaned, or maintain the proper condition of anything. The lovely pretty things were crumbled and sad, and my heart ached with compassion. My sisters and brother accepted completely, George, with a bit of hesitation. He couldn't be- lieve Al had lived in secret, and he had never suspected, as they shared the same room as children. My mother has accepted, but still doesn't fully understand, and never will. Now she blames herself, and wonders why Al never told her. I know she never would have accepted, had she known,' and Al would have had additional problems, but I will never tell her so. I keep assuring her that Al protected her from knowledge, to save her worry. She will never tell my father. She is a strong woman; the real head of our family; sometimes a blessing for a woman to be this way, but sometimes not a blessing, as we have learned over the years.

I loaned my brother and sisters some of the copies of Transvestia, to gain further knowledge and understanding. The rest of the things we destroyed. George phoned me at 2 a.m. the following night, to tell me he had read much, understood, and now had an admiration for Al beyond comprehension. George has had his own problems for years, with a men- tally sick wife, and I feel now, that Al has reached even after his death, to offer his help. In learning about "Alison", George has been given strength to face and accept his own problems.

And so .. it ends.. the fantastic life of Al-Alison. But the memory will stay with me as long as I live, I try to put aside the feelings of guilt I have, that I didn't know years and years ago, and helped. But thank God, I knew for the past two years, and was able to give Al an outlet. I am humble and inadaquate in the shadow of this magnificant brother, whom I loved so long, and so much. I will miss him.

I will collect the copies of Transvestia, and mail them to you. I bless you and thank you, for your friendship with Al.

Al had left a sealed envelope with George, and it was opened by Geo- rge after the trunk was opened. In it he found names and telephone numbers. We called many of them. They were members of FPE. George of course, knew about Alison by then, and was stunned by the love and concern expressed by all those he talked with. We are all grateful to each and every one of you.

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