RANSVESTIA

lovely reset wig and dress. When all was in order I went for ice. Although I realized my slim high heels as well as my form-fitting tight dress were rather bizarre for a June evening, remembering the con- fidence I had gained in the dining room in Rochester, I put on my black kid gloves and with pocketbook on arm, flounced to the end of the building to the ice machine. I say flounced because my dress flared out and bounced over my padded hips. I passed lots of people. Most smiled a good evening and I nodded and smiled back. They all looked me over, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I came back to my room with more confidence. How good it felt to walk delicately in heels and cor- sets! I had passed other women wearing high heels including one with platform shoes and six-inch heels, so I didn't feel quite so bizarre look- ing.

Now my confidence zoomed and I drove out for gas and had my car washed. There was a large shopping plaza near and I decided to drive in and do some window shopping. I couldn't find a parking place I liked though I tried several. And then it happened! A police car notic- ed my erratic driving and while I was stopped wondering what to do, drove near me and the officer called, "Any trouble, Mam?" I panicked and mouthed words without making a sound. He hopped out of his car and came to the window and said, "I couldn't hear you, Mam, what's the trouble?" I answered, "Nothing. Just wondering where to park, Of- ficer." He said, "Well, there are plenty of places. I've watched you try several of them. Could I see your license and registration please?" I said, "Certainly," and after some fumbling produced both with my gloved hands from my pocketbook beside me on the seat. He looked at my license and of course there was the "Jr." after my name and my sex male. Then he said, "Just sit tight, Mam," and started back to his car, I'm sure to radio, when I called, "Officer, just a minute. I have something to show you."

He came back and I showed him my TVIS identification card. He looked at it and said, "You mean you are a guy?" I nodded and he said, "No kidding, really?" and I said, "Yes, really." He said, “O.K., just sit tight, Mam," and went back to his radio. I was scared out of my wits. I thought to myself, "Here it is arrest, a night in the police sta- tion, arraignment in the morning, publicity, reputation ruined, etc." And I thought ruefully some guys get paid for dressing this way!

I had a cigarette in my cigarette holder and was about to look for my lighter in my purse when he returned. "Please step out, Mam, and face the car with your hands on the top." I did as ordered and he frisk-