For our SENIOR CD ladies

[Julogden]

Some time in the 1969-1971 time range, I went into an adult book store in downtown Chicago with a few buddies and I saw copies of Virginia Prince's Transvestia magazine as well as the older non-porn version of Female Mimics. Since I was very closeted, I couldn't buy them at that time, but I went back by myself shortly after and bought a few. It was quite a revelation to find that I wasn't alone.

Later, I found others, like Cathy (Charles) Slaviks' Transvestite magazine, also Lee Brewster's Drag magazine. Cathy Slavik published an annual magazine with personal ads from CD's all over the world and I made several pen pals through that magazine in the mid and late 1970's.

Eventually (1985), I moved into the city of Chicago and joined the Chicago chapter of Tri Ess and began going to meetings, and soon after, the same with the Chicago Gender Society. I was very active in the community activities until 2000 when I had to move back home to take care of my dad when his health got very bad.

[Ressie]

I remember (late '80s) looking for TG books at the college library and being careful that no one saw what I was reading! I actually learned a little just reading a couple of pages. There was also an article in the local newspaper about TVs that got together on weekends in the '70s. Similar to TG weekends or Keystone. And IIRC there was an article in Life magazine on transexuals in the '70s. I realy felt that I wanted to be a girl when I was 17...around 1970.

I also found some info in some psychology book that probably belonged to my mom. It explained the difference between TV and TS and had theories on why men wore women's clothing. Freudian type stuff!

My older brother had penthouse and Hustler magazines that had minor pictorials of CDs once in a while (70s & 80s), and then there were the ads in the back that always got my interest.

[BLUE ORCHID]

The Young Crossdressers post caused my grey matter to bubble a bit.
For we elderlies, long before PCs, what CD info did you have access to when you were younger?
Mine was book store's psychology stuff (Transvestites), adult stores' paperback and magazine stuff when I could find it, but "Transvestia" was my main one. Do you remember Virginia Prince?

Hi Jenny, Along with all the above I found some books in our Main Library down town......

[Diane Taylor]

First of all, to answer your question, I do remember Virginia Prince and the publication called "Transvestia". My first encounter with CD material was unfortunately CD magazines from adult stores. after purchasing a few I decided these were not what I was about. Some years later I happened upon a copy of the "Hartford Advocate" which had adult ads in the back section and I found an ad for a clothing store that catered to CD'ers with a private entrance for those who would be nervous about mingling with other people. I bought my first wig there ( a horrible one at that) but the lady who owned the shop put me in touch with a group of CD'ers who got together once a month in a private residence. after contacting the group I went to a couple of meetings and was introduced to "Transgender Tapestry" magazine which had info regarding support groups in all 50 states and foreign countries. I joined one of the groups and met quite a few nice people at the meetings. A few years after that I finally got a computer.

[JenniferR771]

I remember going to the library and finding nothing. Later trips to the library a few years ago--found Dr Ruth and the novel "Mrs Doubtfire"--not much more. I was afraid to ask the reference librarian. I also read Penthouse and Penthouse Variations, helpful. But later I got up the nerve to visit a local adult bookstore: found "Ladylike", Transvestia, and a few similar publications. I bought a few things at thrift stores. Then found the internet. And "Fictionmania"! Then found a nearby chapter of Tri-Ess. Then other local groups. Joined up. Met others. I was not alone. Better now!

[lingerieLiz]

I started in the 50s. I was caught and told that there had been a boy in town years before who went around as a girl. The town was a very conservitive small town. I kept dressing at home with my sisters. They thought it was fun. I learned to dance backwards and in heels. Mother didn't like it but she wasn't around much. After I went away to work in the city for a department store I started dressing openly when not at work. Large city with lots of book stores that sold xxx. What I didn't know was it was unlawful for men to dress as women. It is amazing that I didn't get arrested. By the mid 60s I was traveling as a girl. I guess I passed back then, and people didn't suspect to see a CD. The GGs at the store were aware as were several women's stores that I frequented. By the 70s on I traveled and lived in towns for a short period all over the country. Most people didn't know me so I was free to live as I chose.

[BillieAnneJean]

For all of you ladies who started in the stone age and paved the way, a big Thank You! Today is easier for we CDers in some ways because of your path finding efforts!

[Ellen Renee Edwards]

Well, I turned 60 just before Christmas and society seems bent on classifying me as 'Senior', replete with many of the discounts not reserved for 65+.

By the time I graduated from college, the 80's and 90's were upon us, and everyone and everybody seemed to be popping up on television with their own talk show. I'm sure I will leave some out but there were the likes of Phil Donahue, Geraldo Rivera, Sally Jessy Raphael, Jenny Jones, Ricki Lake, Maury Povich (pre DNA testing days), Montel Williams, and, eventually, Oprah. I won't count Jerry Springer as he was out for sensationalism even back then. And just about every one of these shows, at least once a year, and right at 'sweeps' time, would parade a panel of crossdressers, or transsexuals, or female impersonators, on stage for discussion, enlightenment, and ratings. I tried to catch every one that I could record or play hookey from work to watch.

The one that had the most impact on this 22 year old confused soul was one of the first I caught. It was when Ariadne Kane sat down, one on one, with Phil Donahue for the entire hour in late 1979 or early 1980 and frankly and realistically discussed crossdressing. While I had previously read various articles and texts, that show was really my 'I AM NOT ALONE' moment. I watched fascinated as she explained to a shocked and unsuspecting audience that maybe there were far more of us out there than they were capable of imagining. She suggested taking another look at the 'woman' shopping alongside you at the grocery store or mall, or to consider what your carpenter, plumber, lawyer, or neighbor might be doing on his free time.

If there are any of you brave ladies out there that sat on one of those panels, thank you! Thank you for educating, expressing yourselves, and opening up to what was, for the most part, a hostile and non-understanding audience... unless you were one of us.

And thank goodness I've made it to 60! I think C.J. Banks has a 10% discount waiting for me.

[AKADonna]

I had no clue what I was getting into when I first tried on my Mother's bra and girdle one night when I was 11 or 12 years old. Mom must have noticed that her lingerie drawer was in disarray and soon thereafter, I found a new Playtex living bra, in my size, under my pillow with a note attached telling me that "now you have your own, so leave my stuff alone". Nothing was ever said, but, like "SweetDreams, I kept the Sears Roebuck catalog under my bed so that I could look at the many pages of lingerie and dream and/or wank with comfort to know that I could quickly page over to the camping stuff or tools if I heard someone coming down the hall.

Vietnam changed all that and my CD'ing went dormant for about 30 years before coming on strong about 10 years ago! I love feeling feminine!

[mmandy31]

I thought I was the only one that dressed back in the 60ies never heard of any one else dressing until my friend told me his brother dressed in his mother clothes.then I got my first computer and discovered that a lot of people dress.

[kimdl93]

My earliest recollections of childhood dreams (mid 1950s) vaguely involved images of women in lingerie, images I liked very much for some reason. Not long after that I recall wearing one of my older sister's slips...and liking it very much. I don't recall being caught or even suspected, but I do recall the feeling that whatever I had done, it had to be kept secret from everyone. Fast forward to the late 60s. By then I had read about the existence of transvestites in Time magazine and seen jokes about them in Playboy, but that was the extent of my knowledge. Even then I felt what I can best describe as a guilt of association...now I'd say a recognition of common interests. That early guilt did not stop me from sneaking panties and nylons from my sister...and well, you all know the cycle.

The first time I donned a wig and make up was in the mid 70s. I tried on a cheap curly wig my wife sometimes wore...and frankly I was stunned when I saw myself in the mirror...much more feminine and prettier than I expected. From that point until just a few years ago, I avoided wigs for fear of seeing and recognizing myself for who I really am.

There's no use regretting missed opportunities or paths not taken. I'm happy to have found myself and to have the freedom, personally and, at least for now, in this country, to be myself.

[Peggy Gardiner]

In some of those Ladylikes from the late 80s people mention communicating via BBSs - Bulletin Board System for you young whippersnappers, people with computers hooked up via phone lines chatting with each other. I had a Compuserve account in the early 80s, mostly yakking with other teens about music or D&D though.

[GretchenM]

As a youngster (age 7 to about 17) my resource was the Sears & Roebuck as well as the Montgomery Ward catalogs - this was in the 50's and early 60's. I would take them in my room, under the guise of shopping for something else, and carefully go through the women's section, page by page, picture by picture, dreaming of desiring this and that and hoping that when I am the age of the models I would be able to wear this or that and actually look like them. But I had virtually no freedom to wear anything feminine unless I knew it was safe to sneak in an hour or two of something and maybe a little lipstick. After I left home for college and got married there really wasn't anything, but the desire wasn't really there either. But later when the desires returned I once again returned to catalogs. Today, when I read the newspaper and catalogs come in the mail I go through them carefully and examine everything carefully. My wife of almost 48 years has never commented on that, but I suspect she knows what it is about. She does know about Gretchen, but has never met her dressed, but Gretchen is there most of the time, dressed or not.

[AliB]

Growing up in an isolated rural area meant there was no access to anything except clothing and make up via mother and/or sisters. A open cd in our community would have had a very rough time. I did not find anything until my college years, Yes younger cd people have a few advantages.

[mykell]

.............................

By the time I graduated from college, the 80's and 90's were upon us, and everyone and everybody seemed to be popping up on television with their own talk show. I'm sure I will leave some out but there were the likes of Phil Donahue, Geraldo Rivera, Sally Jessy Raphael, Jenny Jones, Ricki Lake, Maury Povich (pre DNA testing days), Montel Williams, and, eventually, Oprah. I won't count Jerry Springer as he was out for sensationalism even back then. And just about every one of these shows, at least once a year, and right at 'sweeps' time, would parade a panel of crossdressers, or transsexuals, or female impersonators, on stage for discussion, enlightenment, and ratings. I tried to catch every one that I could record or play hookey from work to watch.

The one that had the most impact on this 22 year old confused soul was one of the first I caught. It was when Ariadne Kane sat down, one on one, with Phil Donahue for the entire hour in late 1979 or early 1980 and frankly and realistically discussed crossdressing. While I had previously read various articles and texts, that show was really my 'I AM NOT ALONE' moment. I watched fascinated as she explained to a shocked and unsuspecting audience that maybe there were far more of us out there than they were capable of imagining. She suggested taking another look at the 'woman' shopping alongside you at the grocery store or mall, or to consider what your carpenter, plumber, lawyer, or neighbor might be doing on his free time.

If there are any of you brave ladies out there that sat on one of those panels, thank you! Thank you for educating, expressing yourselves, and opening up to what was, for the most part, a hostile and non-understanding audience... unless you were one of us.

this would be similar to how i learned that i was not alone......in a movie "Gunn" was a trans character a boy fully shaved....i was like thats who i am, but the character was a villain unfortunately....

[Ressie]

Fast forward to the late 60s. By then I had read about the existence of transvestites in Time magazine and seen jokes about them in Playboy, but that was the extent of my knowledge.

I'm glad to see someone else remembers the Time magazine article. IIRC it even made the cover, but I'm not sure. And there might have been more than one issue that had similar articles.

I remember asking my mom about it and she said something like, "didn't you know about that?" Can't find any articles in Time magazine with a google search.

[Jenny22]

In my opening post, I mentioned Virginia Prince. Some elder sisters recall her and the 'Transvestia' magazine she published, but for you younger girls, you need to know that she was a true pioneer for our community. The link below has many references to her and her work in our behalf. You'd be surprised that the seeds she planted are still bearing fruit today (Beaumont Society, for one). I urge you to read some of the material presented and possible give her a silent thank you, Virginia.

[NicoleScott]

For all of you ladies who started in the stone age .........

Hey, I'm not THAT old. I didn't start in the stone age, it was the iron age. Before permanent press, I had to iron everything.

[Amy Lynn3]

I thought I was the only person on earth who liked to dress in women's cloths, until about age 12. I saw a few paperbacks that referred to transvestites, but I stayed under the radar. At that point I only knew others like me existed, but where.

Like others have said the Internet has opened up worlds of information. Thanks, to this one and other sites I have meet a good number of people who walk in Hi Heels also.

[Brenda Freeman]

I am going on 63! early on it was always the catalogs Sears and Montgomery Ward I would look at the adds loved how women looked and the clothes. Deep in the closet. The movie Some Like it Hot stirred my thoughts hopes and the Flip Wilson Show with Geraldine I loved how she dressed but it was all about the laugh, entertainment! Not much until the internet for me. I sometimes wonder if I had all that info when I was young if I might have done things differently. I think the world back then would have to have changed a bit too. Young people today have so much information I wonder if it may be a little much as young people can be impulsive, but I am sure it has helped greatly as it has me to know how many out there have the same or similar thoughts and needs that need to get out. Isolation and fear was my early life.

[Julie Gaum]

Wonderful posts - enjoyed them! A few names and magazines I have never run across before so new to me as I thought that I knew the whole nine yards (Far from it). In the 1940s I believed for sure that I was some sort of deviant and alone in the universe. Will be 92 this May and living most of my remaining days as Julie. So much to say and do but energy is fast depleting - scary you know.
May your journeys be all you dream they will be.
Julie

[kimdl93]

I'm glad to see someone else remembers the Time magazine article. IIRC it even made the cover, but I'm not sure. And there might have been more than one issue that had similar articles....

As I recall, the Time article came out during the school year, probably 1966-7ish. I read it in the school library and recall several girls commenting on it and drawing parallels to an underclassman who decorated his room in pink, stuffed animals and dolls. As always in such situations , I was wary that one of them might notice me blushing!

As I read back through the rest of this thread I recalled walking past the Virginia Flora Corset Shop, a long established lingerie and foundations store on Broadway in Fargo, ND. That was sometime in the mid 70s, and even though my dressing was limited to nylons and panties, I remember a nearly overpowering desire to walk in, confess my desire to present as a woman, and get fitted. It was a fantasy that I relived often until it finally became a reality just eight years ago.

[Amelie]

For me it was going to Times Square NYC. I learned more there from people on the streets than I could in a hundred books.

Also later on I learned a few things from Lee Brewster. Mardi Gras owner.

[susie evans]

Hi Jenny
I do remember Virginia very well I met her in the mid 70 s when she was active at the Claremont collages she was very persistent in her thoughts we had more than one heated argument she was a true pioneer to the cause and I really don't believe most people know the doors she opened for us

Susie

[Jaymees22]

My first knowledge of this was in the early 50s. My parents had a rich friend, we went to a gathering at his home. He mentioned that he had been to a party where he had danced with Christine Jorgenson and that she was a good dancer. Being curious as to why he mentioned dancing with this particular woman I asked my mother and she explained who she was. At that time I didn't know I would be where I am today.