RANSVESTIA

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years old at the hands of two of my cousins. On of them caught me snooping in her room (I stayed at my cousin's home while my mother worked). As punishment she thought it would be cute if I were to be fully dressed in my other Cousin's clothes since she was younger and I was more her size. As a result, I was dressed and treated as a girl from the skin out every day after school. At first I cried and fought, to no avail but finally I got to the point of looking forward to putting on the lace panties and dresses. This went on for about two years and then I moved. As I got older and had no one with whom to act out my cross- dressing desires my interests began to revolve around sports and girls. However, the desire never left me I just grounded it. When it began to surface again it wasn't a game and I wasn't being forced and, as a result, I was plenty scared. My first thought was that perhaps I was gay but I quickly dismissed that because of my relationship with girls. Then I thought that I was sick but eventually settled on just being very guilty. Now with the help of two beautiful people I have finally accepted myself. I still have some fears I worry about what my friends and co- workers would say if they knew that I was a TV. I am afraid that if I join TRI-Sigma I'll be rediculed and laughed at by the girls but I am so interested in meeting others like myself that I want to go ahead and join, anyhow. I didn't mean to get carried away but I never have been able to put my feelings down on paper before. Normally I would never do this But I trust you. Thank you for listening to me. I like my new name because it's so pretty. CHRISTIE, in Sunnyvale, CALIF.

Dear Carol: I express my sincere best wishes as you take over TRANSVESTIA' Virginia's account of her life in Tvia number 100 made good reading. Many of us owe her so much for her help in assisting us with our feelings. I manage a visit to the beauty shop every Saturday now. I go for the "works" hair styling, make-up, nails and waxing. Being only 30 I can enjoy the many fashionable styles. I have a most understanding beautician. I spoke with Susan from Scranton yesterday. We're going to get together later this month. She's very knowledgable about Tvism. Lora and I (in Philadelphia) have struck up a good correspondence and I hope to meet her soon. At my wife's urgence (bless her) I got a new outfit, purple and white blouse with purple slacks and vest. A pair of 3 inch heels from Lane Bryant completes the outfit. I'm about to order a new dress, too. Because of my size

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