RANSVESTIA

dedicated to "education, entertainment [and] expression to help its readers achieve understanding, self-acceptance [and] peace of mind in place of the loneliness, fear and self-condemnation they have known for too long."

It includes fiction of a quality that is sometimes surprising and arti- cles about everything from the transvestite's legal standing, philosoph- ical, psychological and clinical observations, to personal hints on make- up and clothing. It would be difficult to find anything sensational in it, unless the subject matter itself is considered sensational. The editorial policies and advertising policies are conservative — and the result is a pleasing publication which libraries should be happy to have on their shelves.

The first book I mentioned is an introduction basic to the subject, made up largely of letters from people who were as ignorant as most of us and who were learning to adjust to the transvestite phenomenon. An- other book, HOW TO BE A WOMAN THOUGH MALE, takes the reader a step further and describes the responsibilities of the male who wishes to cross-dress without embarrassing himself or bothering others. The pleasures that the gender change brings comes through in the writ- ing, and women will undoubtedly find a number of the hints and ob- servations on everyday "feminine" behavior enlightening.

The concern is limited to the male heterosexual cross-dresser, although each publication makes reference to the needs of the transexual the male who undergoes surgery to achieve a physical female identity — at some point, generally in a negative, if sympathetic, manner. The pam- phlet SEXUAL AND GENDERAL IDENTITY is helpful in this area. Other sexual concerns are ignored. The magazine proclaims “TVia does not condemn nor judge the fields of homosexuality, bondage, domination or fetishism. These are left for others to develop."

The attitudes of society appear grotesque as one reads of the imposi- tions suffered by members of this gentle minority. Librarians are no less culpable. They generally ignore the subject — thus allowing ignor- ance to prevail -- or if they do purchase anything it is usually the work of persons who have been concerned with pathological phenomena or law enforcement. They then place it on the shelves with books on mental retardation and psychopathy. Other social-sexual "abnormalities" re- ceive much more friendly treatment.