"Transvestia", The First Widely Distributed Transgender Magazine, Issue No. 102, 1980

Transvestia; Virginia Prince

Edité par Date d'édition : 1980

[Cross-Dressing][Transgender] Prince, Virginia, founder and editor. Transvestia No. 102. One issue of the foundational American periodical that provided a platform for cross dressing and mid-century proto-transgender culture. Founded by Virginia Prince in 1960, Transvestia had long circulated autobiographical articles, advice, correspondence, and photography among trans and queer readers otherwise separated by distance, stigma, and limited public language for gender nonconformity. The cover identifies the magazine as "For the Heterosexual Crossdresser," marking a narrower target audience than earlier issues. Transvestia. Vol. XVII, No. 102. Tulare, California: Chevalier Publications, 1980. 96 pages. 6.5 x 8.5 inches. Stapled printed wrappers. Cover printed in red and black with the banner title Transvestia, the subtitle "For the Heterosexual Crossdresser," and a black and white cover photograph captioned "OUR COVER GIRL Cindy," showing Cindy seated before a brick wall wearing glasses, patterned dress, and shawl. The opening pages print a "Publication Policy" stating that the magazine is composed primarily of reader submitted fiction, articles, histories, true experiences, letters, poems, and pictures, facing a contents page identifying Carol Beecroft as editor. The contents list "Your Editor Sez," "Our Cover Girl Story," "Don't Separate Yourself" by Sally, "A Man Will Sure Become a Miss (Part 2)," a movie review of "Birds Of A Feather," "My Story" by Renee, "Announcement of a New Contest" by Carol, "The Worst Day of My Life" by Ann, "The Editor's Mailbag," "Virgin Views" by Virginia Prince, "I Am a Crossdresser" by R.W., "Dianna Finds Understanding in Florida," and "The Simple Case" by Dee Raymond. The facing "Purpose of Transvestia" page defines its audience as "those heterosexual persons who have become aware of their 'other side' and seek to express it," promising "EDUCATION - ENTERTAINMENT - EXPRESSION" leading toward "UNDERSTANDING - SELF ACCEPTANCE - PEACE OF MIND." A visible "Your Editor Sez" spread discusses production delays tied to Tri-Sigma Sorority work, publication of the FEMME MIRROR, preparation of a new directory, and Beecroft's adoption of in house IBM typesetting and a redesigned format; a later illustrated page reproduces two portraits captioned "Cindy CA-58-P." This issue shows Transvestia in its later year, with autobiographical stories and reader service still central and an increased focus on production and affiliated print activity signifying how trans and cross-dressing communities grew significantly in the decades since the magazine began. The references to Tri-Sigma, FEMME MIRROR, the editor's mailbag, and articles such as "I Am a Crossdresser" and "Dianna Finds Understanding in Florida" demonstrate how the publication expanded beyond the informal tone of the early 1960s while preserving Virginia Prince's influence through "Virgin Views" and her editor emeritus role. Light handling wear and mild toning to wrappers; clean, complete, and well preserved; overall very good condition. A strong later issue for tracing how Transvestia shifted from early trans feminine print culture into a narrower "heterosexual crossdresser" magazine with stronger connections to other cross-dressing networks across the country. N° de réf. du vendeur 23175

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : "Transvestia", The First Widely Distributed ...
Date d'édition : 1980
Reliure : Couverture souple