Now these may in some way explain how a person might have become started in this pattern, but they in no way account for that pattern's persistence. For we know that people certainly are not the slaves to habit and imitation in the degree that cynios would have us believe. If a habit has a prolonged existence there must be a functional reason; a psychological need for its continuance. It is not enough to tell the transvestite that she "must conform". Rather, we should seek out the psychological functions, and find the adjustments in light of the newer understanding.

And

This writer has come across many cases that can be termed "protective" or "defensive" transvestism. This is not so gross an anomaly as may be first supposed. We could call it an exaggeration of a major trend that's widespread among modern women at large. For fewer women nowadays like to be too frail or helpless. more and more women aspire to the spontaneity of expression formerly allotted only to men. Witness how quickly the corsets have been cast away along with the fashion of fainting. And women now can be athletic as well as attractive.

How does manni sh garb enter in here? We know how clothes affect the behavior of others towards us, and many a woman has confided to mo: "Padded shoulders make me appear stronger, tougher, more self-sufficient. People aren't so apt to push me around." Or, "a tailored suit makes me appear professional; people respect me as a 'brain' instead of looking down on me as an ordinary 'silly female'." Are these merely rationalizations? Hardly so. In part they define the psychological needs of these individuals. Also they reflect the prevalent acceptance of "masculine superiority" and the prestige of male occupations. The woman who states "I am only a housewife" shows much the same attitude.

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Furthermore, transvestism may be a barrier against possible sexual assault. How often have girls said: "I feel secure when I'm walking alone at night when

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