ARTICLE

THE GIRL WITHIN, YET AGAIN

Rosemary - England

I am very pleased that you have returned yet again to this theme, for I think that it is central to our experience as TVs and to our acceptance of the state.

In the psychoanalytic field, C. G. Jung was the first to make the sug- gestion of subconscious counterparts to the displayed, everyday per- sonality or Persona, when he described the "Anima" and the "Animus." The former was buried in all men, just as you describe it, and the latter in all women. Esther Harding, an English follower of Jung's, in 1937 published a book "The Way of all Women" in which these ideas were displayed and developed. Any man is attracted most towards women whose Personas most nearly resemble his Anima ("like seeking like"). The woman whose Persona can reflect the Anima of whichever man she is with becomes "all things to all men" and is highly desired by all men. I was given this book to read in 1943 (when I was 18) by my parents for they felt that some of my many rather superficial girl-friends were of this type. From that time on I had this idea of the Anima, buried in my mind, but never related "her" to the transvestite urges that had already begun to plague me.

It was only when I first read Transvestia three years ago and met your thoughts and those of Susanna that I saw for myself the real force, with- in myself, of the Jungian concept. Here was this damned Anima bother- ing the life out of me, spoiling my marriage and making me disgusted with myself.

I cannot say that I have fully accepted her yet. I still find myself al- most resenting "dressing" and have to fight against the tendency to dress in a half-hearted and slovenly manner. I do not always shave and

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