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Why Tri-Ess?  by by Mary Alice Barrett

Spousal support. Stands by it's self.. Tri-Ess is the only TG organization that effectively addresses the issue of the crossdresser's family, first & foremost, his spouse. The issue of crossdressing and the act of revealing that aspect of your personality to your spouse is a major source of difficulty to someone who is ready to "come out". Tri-Ess, since it's inception, has had this issue as a cornerstone. Help in understanding yourself, accepting yourself, explaining and sharing the most intimate secret of your life with a spouse in such a way so as not to destroy your marriage and family is, perhaps, the most important aspect and focus of Tri-Ess.

There are many other things that Tri-Ess has brought to my life that I could share, but those are mostly common to us all. The help in presentation of a feminine image, the basic dignity that the group maintains, the opportunity to share experiences, both good & bad, tragic and uplifting, and the bonding that a group with common interests and goals enables. Some of these things are common with other "open" groups, some are not. There are those who are comfortable in group settings that are more open than a Tri-Ess Chapter, and that takes the confidence that came from the acceptance and care that started them on their journey.

As the years have passed, some of the faces have changed, some move on, some stay, but the chapter remains a place of refuge, comfort, challenge and inspiration to me. The questions of gender and sexuality are very much in the public arena now, much more than 10 years ago. The questions and answers that those in the present generation receive will determine, largely, how people in the TG community are viewed and treated in the future. I do hope that Tri-Ess will be a part of that ever-changing dialog.

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: Barbara Van Horn.

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Updated: 04/27/05