Dear Carol,

"Somehow

She Knew

My Size"

You've probably already seen the enclosed picture by now. Being in the printing indus- try for 29 years, I am well aware that color photos don't repro- duce as well as black and white. If you think it will work for the directory update - good! If not let me know. I will send better photos from time to time, hope- fully.

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I was so grateful to receive acknowledgement and accep- tance into Tri-Ess. I have thoroughly enjoyed the directory which you labored many, many hours over, along with the "Femme Mirror."

Well, now for an update on "Beverly". This week has truly been one of the most exciting weeks of my entire life!

Last Saturday, I decided to do some shopping for street clothes. At least some basic things to get by with temporarily Finding nothing appealing or in my size at Avon Fashion Outlet, I became a little discouraged. Nevertheless, I decided to go to another dress shop. It's called Catherines's Stout Shop in the Todd Center shopping center on Mercury Blvd., Hampton, Va.

-When I went in (dressed in male attire, of course), a sales clerk asked if she could help me. I said I wanted to look at the dresses. To which she replied: "What size do you need?" I couldn't believe it. Anyway after I looked at several on one rack, she had mentioned another rack, so I asked her if I could see the others. The last dress in a 201⁄2 on

BEVERLY

the rack appealed to me (the one in the picture). It's a four piece outfit (2 skirts, blouse and jack- et.)

After showing her which one I liked, she asked me if there was anything else I would like to look at. I asked her about a camisole and half slip, bra, etc. She showed me several. When she pulled out a second group of lingerie she said; "Oh, I got the right size." Somehow I had a feeling she knew I was shopping for Beverly. Then, I almost gulp- ed, I said: "You know it's for me!" She said: "I know." (In a calm understanding voice.) I'm sure my face turned red. I re- plied to her: "Oh, thank you for being understanding about it."

Well, barriers were broken and I had such a great time really doing some shopping. She never for a minute made me feel em- barrassed about anything. She said they don't allow men in their fitting room but everything is returnable in order to be satis- fied in every way. She said they have sold to men before. Upon paying for my purchases I said; "Then I can reccommend you then." Another sales clerk stand- ing nearby said; "By all means!" You can immagine how I felt - great!!!

Leaving the store after ex- pressing much, much gratitude - I even went to several stores and tried on ladies shoes. Although, I didn't get a perfect fit (I wear a 13AAA in a mans shoe) I set- tled on a 12 medium low heal sandle in navy canvas.

I went back to the dress 18

shop that afternoon after trying on my purchases. I exchanged for different sizes and got them to alter the dress jacket which I picked up Wednesday at closing time. I was really glad it was ready because my mother and sister were coming to my apart- ment to take pictures that night. (They arrived while I was doing my nails.) Not ready of course, Femininity in action!

I mentioned wanting to go grocery shopping, but needed a coat. My sister said she had a sweater coat I probably could get by with, so I followed her home and got it. Competely dressed in female attire - I made my debut in a local all night grocery store didn't feel con- spicuous and had a leisurely shopping experience.

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Everything went so well, and not having to work at the newspaper Thursday night, I left my part-time job a couple of hours early in order to get dress- ed up and go back to Cathrine's. I must say I was somewhat ner- vous going out for the first time in broad day light. I had another wonderful shopping experience at the dress shop. She gave me a few pointers too. Never embarr- assing always greeted with a cheerful smile.

I had told her about our group and said I had an enlight- ening brochure if she would like to read it to help her understand better. She said; "No, I don't think so, because I accept people for what they are." I had, at one point mentioned what gave me a- way the first day. She told me it was my hands my nails had been polished. Traces from ear- lier Saturday morning.

I also at some point told her part of my separation story after 241⁄2 years of marriage and a seven year old son. I told her that I felt she should know, I am not gay, that I am strictly hetero- sexual and that I just love wo- men. She seemed pleased and said "Good!!"

How grateful I am for your dedicated work, words seem in- adaquate to express.

Lovingly,

Beverly VA-207-S