RANSVESTIA

Dear Virginia,

I had seen the periodical Transvestia listed almost ten years ago in a list of periodicals in a library, but did not have the courage or opportunity to purchase one until this month. I have read most of this issue and am surprised and gratified at the quality of this publica- tion. I am very happy to have a new name for the kind of person I am -femmiphile.

I think the time has definitely come for me to recognize this part of me, this second self, and not keep her down anymore. From here on I say, full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes because I have a right to be what I am and not be afraid of the slings and arrows of those who do not understand. I am tired of being so alone and want to do anything I can to meet others like myself and become part of a group that is closer to my inner self than any other group could be.

In 1976 I met two others like myself for the first time, and the joy of that understanding surpassed anything I knew before. In November of that year I went back to that city and came out of the closet for about three days with surprising success. However, the paranoia about being found out began to get the best of me and I decided I must go back to masculinity on a full-time basis. I grew a beard and managed to stay away from dressing for almost half a year. In the end, though, as before, I found I had true affection for my second self. That is, I knew she was part of me and deserved better treatment.

I do find this situation hard to handle on my own. I would like a copy of Understanding Cross Dressing, and would like to subscribe to Transvestia. I also would like to become a full-fledged member of Tri Sigma.

Sincerely,

Jody-Montana

Dear Virginia,

I have been absent from your magazine for the past several years, and I have just received and read #94 and #95 and I thoroughly

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