for the first time. In the neigh- borhood where I lived, there were several male prostitutes who were always in ladies' attire. Although I wished I had the nerve to go out in public as they did, I knew that my crossdressing was headed in a totally different direction. Surprisingly enough, they didn't attract any more attention than any of the strange types who live in the inner-city.

It didn't take long to realize that I was headed down the wrong path by hanging in the streets, so I started channeling my energy into sports. This lead to the first purge of the feminine wardrobe I had acquired. Somehow the urge to wear those frilly garments re- turned, and I started a new collection. In Junior High school, I had started wearing panties and stockings to school under my regular clothes. How envied

I

the girls in school, wearing those beautiful skirts and blouses. I really loved the styles of the time-mini- skirts were just becoming popu- lar.

Eventually, football prac- tices cut into my crossdressing and, again, I went through a purge. Again, it didn't last. I was continually playing the role of a macho jock, while slipping into femininity when the chance presented itself. Upon gradua- tion from high school, I attended college on a partial football scholarship. This meant packing away my secret identity for two years. After two years, I had learned just how good a football player I wasn't, so I left school and found myself a job.

Eventually, I met and married the girl of my dreams. For two years, I kept my little secret to myself, but deep inside I knew that I'd have to share my whole life with her to be truly happy. After two months of trying to build up the courage to expose my secret, I dropped the bomb on her. For the next

month, I wasn't sure that I'd have a wife when the smoke cleared. Fortunately, we always communicated openly with each other. She finally understood that the qualities she admired and respected in me were merely an extension of Valerie. It took quite awhile, but Valerie really started to grow on her. We started sharing clothes, doing each other's makeup, even shopping as two girls. I think she enjoyed spending time with Valerie as much as with my regular self.

All the joy and happiness came to an end when she died in a car wreck this year.

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Actually, I've just gotten my life back into decent order recently. Now I'm little spending a time trying to refine the image of Valerie, trying new styles of clothing, and such. I love going shopping en femme. So far, I haven't had any problems.

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I don't think there is much tell about myself,

to

except that I love being in Tri-Ess, and I especially love hearing from my sisters across the country.

I hope to hear from you, too, real soon.

Valerie

KAREN'S STEPPING OUT

Tonight

Gonna put on a red dress.

Tonight

I'm gonna be more than anyone would Walking down the street

My feet barely touch the ground.

Feeling pretty, feeling sweet

So, there's no one else around.

They wouldn't know what it's all about, Because tonight

Karen's stepping out.

Just because it's a house Doesn't mean it's a home. Just because it rhymes That doesn't make it a poem. Any way you look at it I shine and I've shown Betty, see how

Your little sister has grown.

Tomorrow

Gonna have to disappear. Tomorrow

I'm

gonna have to stop and shed a tear. Back to the ordinary

(Must it always be this way?)

I'm not just Tom or Harry Every girl must have her day.

Maybe tomorrow I'll sulk and pout, But tonight

Karen's stepping out.

KAREN - IL-3-MC

guess.

OH-210-J

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