RANSVESTIA

summarizing the essential factors in being able to "feather our own nests."

While looking for a change of apartments, I walked into the rental office of a large complex, looked at the models and then proceeded to tell the manager about myself my work, my hobbies, and, yes, even my transgender lifestyle ... but all in a very matter-of-fact and self-confident manner. The result was total acceptance. In fact, they invited me to return as Nancy to the Halloween party they were holding that same evening... and I did!

Later on, I visited the 310-unit apartment complex next door. I used this same approach which again brought about a totally accepting response. This time they invited me to become a resident there and to feel free to use either the men's or women's gyms! They also invited me to attend their annual barbeque as Nancy. With that, I signed the rental agreement papers, paid my deposit and moved in. You're probably dying to know what happened in the women's gym. This leads us to point two of this article. I decided not to flaunt my life- style in front of everyone. So. I haven't and do not intend to use the women's gym nor did I go to the barbeque as Nancy. Once I satisfied my basic desires of being accepted in my dual identity roles, I wisely decided not to do anything so extreme as to bring possible complica- tions from others unnecessairly, even though I had already secured the office's stamp of approval. Didn't someone remark, "Wisdom is the better part of valor?" I do feel comfortable living as Nancy much of the time including visiting a few neighbors, taking walks around the complex as well as swimming and sunbathing at times when it is not crowded. I have told some of my neighbors about me using the same approach as I've suggested. So far, everyone has accepted me and I've even become the Avon representative for the complex.

I've used the same approach in arranging for groups of FP's to dine out. Rather than going to second or third class places, I always select the very best restaurants in town, explaining the nature of the group like nothing was wrong and with self confidence and poise. Then, I ask for reservations. I've a very high success rate. The other evening, for instance, I returned home late in the evening as Nancy when most restaurants were closed. I called a nearby 24-hour family restaurant only three blocks from my apartment and using the same approach, the result was that they not only invited me to come on over to eat there anytime as Nancy but also remarked that other cross-dressers

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