and Donna Martin letters.

Thank you for the books.

Kathy

Illinois

Dear Carol: I have recently had the good fortune to come across Virginia's book, 'Understanding Cross Dressing,' and write to express my thanks for helping me to understand more fully what cross dressing is, and its myriad forms. Recently, I have decided to search for answers to my situation (not so long ago a "problem") and I think that this book is one of the most en- lightening sources I have found yet. It's really amazing how little most people know about this phenomenon, even many cross- dressers themselves.

At one time, I feared my second self and would not give her breathing room, but now I feel that I am making friends with her and my fear has evolved into acceptance-and even joy. I believe that the two of can coexist peacefully, because I am not a transsexual. I enjoy my male and female selves, and hope one day to be able to transcend even that

duality. Anyway, thanks again for a great book.

Also, I'm interested in your Society for the Second Self, and would like to get some information on that. Also, could you tell me if there is a chapter in Texas?

D.C.

Texas

Dear Carol: I am a 21-year old male transvestite and was recent- ly arrested for appearing in pub- lic in my feminine clothing. I don't know why I did it, but I just had an uncontrollable urge to pass as a woman in the company of other women. After seeing a very understanding counselor, I came to learn about you. There is no doubt in my mind that I want to wear women's clothing and enjoy the feminine world. After all I've been through, I don't

feel guilty about what I do at all. Rather, I think it is very important that I be able to express the feminine side of my personality.

I would greatly appre- ciate it if you could send me information on the subject of transvestitism. I have heard of 'Transvestia' magazine and would like to subscribe. If there are any other subscriptions that you know of, please let me know of them.

Finally, I would like to thank you and commend you on the job you are doing for so many lonely transvestite sisters. Hope to hear from you soon.

T.J.

Oregon

Dear Carol: Thanks for the great magazine. It shows me there is a 'Sorority' with the values that I have been looking for. Just recently I moved to California for the real reason of letting my woman self live life as life was meant to be lived.

My wife is having a hard time understanding this, but up to now has been very patient. After reading No. 105 of your magazine for for the first time together, she has decided to try to see this through with me for a time longer anyway. She tries, but cannot see to assisting me, so I have to do much discovering on my own.

Here's hoping the Sorority will be the answer to ALL of our misunderstandings. So far, only my wife, and now you, know. But now, also along comes the Sorority and a ray of hope. Coming out and growing with it is where all dreams and silent wishes have led me. Understand- ing and kindness as well as practical help and friendship were the things I liked best about Transvestia.Also, the thought of not not being alone anymore is so gratifying. All the stories, the photos, the ads, were just right. So, enclosed is the postage for the package

about the Second Self. The Femme Mirror also is some- thing I would ike to be part of, so any information about that would be appreciated.

Again, thanks for the time and understanding ear. Hope to hear from you soon.

M.G.

California

Dear Carol: I am a wife-to-be and am very happy about it. About 2 weeks before my

fiance proposed to me, he told me he was a transvestite. He was so afraid to tell me for fear that I would be hurt and not understand, and not want to see him anymore. (We had only been dating about a month at the time.) My response was just the opposite. I told him it didn't matter to me how he dressed; as far as I'm concerned, if a woman wants to wear pants because it makes her feel re- laxed and comfortable, then a man should be allowed to wear dresses if it makes him feel relaxed and comfortable.

He has a lot of encourage- ment from me and lots of sup- port. It took a couple of weeks for me to talk him into dressing for me, but he finally did. He was so relieved when, after I saw him, I just put my arms around him, told him I still loved him, and I still wanted him.

I was always asking ques- tions and wondering about transvestitism, so he gave me a book to read, 'The Transvestite and His Wife,' which helped me to see things a lot more clearly. Of course, every chance we had, he would dress up and the more he dressed, the more I like seeing him dressed, because I know it makes him happy-and I want him to be happy. I love him so much, and his being a transvestite doesn't change my love for him. While reading the book, I read of groups and meetings where transvestites and their wives can go to meet