A Place Set Apart

by Mary Alice Barrett

As this year winds down and the holidays glimmer on the near horizon, there are a few thoughts I wish to share.

As I look back on this year and the ones that preceded it, there is one overriding, indeed overwhelming concept that I think we all take for granted. Is it by design that we are "A Place Set Apart"? Are the places where we come together truly just rented rooms?

I think not. We have all traveled a similar road to the place we call Chi Epsilon Sigma, we have all been through the fear, doubt and shame. We have all reached out and more importantly, been willing to take that outstretched hand that was extended to us.

Thanks to the courage of the charter members, we have a place to extend that hand from, and a place of sanctuary for those of us who have accepted that hand.

Our chapter, like many others, does not have a permanent home base, we own no property and our gatherings may take place anywhere we choose. It can be in a hotel, a dinner theatre, a restaurant, a college classroom or a member's home where we gather.

In the four years that I have had the privilege to be a member of CES, I have always felt (rather than thought!) that the sisters and spouses of the chapter form "A Place Set Apart" wherever we gather and that it is this sharing of our lives with all their fears, hopes, expectations and dreams that forms the glue that binds us together. We do share in something called "Survivor Bonding" and that is what drops the barriers and subdues the fear.

As we feel the acceptance of the group, it allows us to truly accept ourselves. This sets us free and allows us to celebrate and enjoy the blessings of having a "Second Self".

2003 has been a good year for CES, we have gained many new members and so importantly, their spouses.

We have remained a sanctuary and a helping hand.

We have shared so much together in meetings and activities and we have grown closer.

We have further explored the bringing of our stories to classes at Villa Julie, an opportunity that is, each year, taken by more of our sisters. Our acceptance by these young people is truly invaluable because they now come a bit closer to understanding. (Thanks, Kate!)

As each year passes, some of us stay, some of us move on to other places and people, others will come and be welcomed and will feel the acceptance and warmth that is Chi Epsilon Sigma. This is as it should be, I hope it is always so.

This newsletter is a labor of love for of our contributing editrixes. Please join the staff by submitting your own insights into the world of cross-dressing. Send your input to: Rachel Boyd, or R.R. Boyd, P.O. Box 2252, Ashburn, VA 20146-9152.

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Updated: 05/08/04