ransvestia

was of some help to have a magazine for such people, since it im- plicitly said that there were a lot of people with the same idea or a magazine could not survive; and it was nice to have a local group where feelings and opinions could be aired; it still wasn't enough. There were thousands of you "out there" somewhere who possibly had found Transvestia, but more likely had not, that needed both the assurance that they were not alone, not gay and not sick, but a philosophy on which to build that awareness and if possible some other people with the same interests with whom they could interface and talk things over. Thus gradually the concept of Phi Pi Epsilon or FPE for short was born. The initials in English meant Full Personality Expression. That is, a group of people who realized that their total human selves could not be expressed just within the limitations of accepted masculine parameters. And who, since it just is not feasible due to cultural patterning for a man to act or express feminine interests or behaviours while wearing men's clothing because of the guilt feelings it would engender, had found that it was possible and enjoyable to do it while wearing feminine attire. Thus they would be able to get at both sides of their total humanity. The name therefore was descriptive and appropriate.

These ideas were discussed with Barbara and with Lynn and gradually were formulated clearly. I then prepared a proposed mem- bership application form which not only asked various questions about the applicant's life and interests, but which had a four- or five- page preamble explaining what the organization was founded for, hoped to accomplish and expected of its members. Those of you who were members of the original FPE will probably remember that form and the policies it set forth.

Well, when I had this plan roughed out I took it down to Lynn's house one night. Barbara was by that time living in a room in the house along with Lynn and his understanding wife. I remember well my standing by the fireplace and reading off the whole document to them for their comments and criticisms. When we had finished with suggested changes and improvements I recall someone saying some- thing to the effect that such an organization and such a statement of principles would never be accepted by society and that if it got out I would be in for a very hard time. I also clearly recall my replying comment to that observation. It was to the effect of, "Yes, I recognize that my time is yet to come and that they (society and the authorities) will crucify me if they get a chance." Now just hold this little tableau in your mind for a bit while a few more months and

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