RANSVESTIA

erroneously so. Part of understanding others is the respect for indi- viduality. It is terribly easy to stereotype according to the comfort- able preconceptions we have accumulated over the years.

It was not until about a year ago that I learned that there was an organization such as Tri-Sigma. Before that I was relatively on my own: I had, after many years, achieved a satisfactory understanding with my wife and a few members of my family. However, contacts made as a result of joining Tri-Sigma have brought me out of the closet and helped me to understand myself and others better.

One thing I have discovered in meeting others "like myself" is that we are all different and that there are as many types of transvestites as there are individuals. There I was, craving sympathy from others, and in reality not understanding myself nor fully appreciating others. This is changing through increased contacts and exchanges of views.

And I have discovered that life can really be fun. Coming out of the closet has essentially broken the back of my inner frustration. For years I felt like a prisoner without hope of release-that I would never be able to express myself the way I wanted to. Now I have gained the courage to go dressed to the theater and dine out, though not in my own community. I'm still growing and I love it. (Life does begin at forty!)

Last fall when I set out for Fantasia Fair in Provincetown (I heard of it through Virginia, and she urged me to go), I didn't know what to expect and was frankly a bit scared since I had never worn a dress in public before. But everything went smoothly and I had the time of my life. There we all were, learning from one another and enjoying the understanding of a remarkable community. That week in Province- town was nothing if not revolutionary for me. My cross-dressing habits and methods were due for an overhaul. New insights and paracultural exchanges started to change them.

Now I am trying to continue this growth process through New England regional Tri-Sigma meetings which started earlier this year. I have nothing but high hopes for the future.

Sincerely,

Patricia, Me-3W