Support should be based on the following principles: 1) that every human being has the right to full expression of all personality potentials, both masculine and feminine; 2) that individuals should strive to balance and integrate both their masculine and their feminine aspects to produce a happier, more fulfilled whole person; 3) that needs of spouses and families are neither more nor less important than those of crossdressers; 4) that crossgender expression should not remain a matter of shame and secrecy, but be integrated into everyday life.
The Society For The Second Self, Inc. a 501(c)(3) organization
Purpose;
Full Personality Expression, both Masculine & Feminine
Multilevel Support for Crossdressers and Families
Relationship Building in the Context of Crossdressing
Outreach to Helping Professionals
Public Education about Crossdressing
Resources:
Tri-Ess provides support focused on crossdressers, their spouses, partners and families. Nationwide, 38 affiliates offer a relaxed atmosphere for crossgender expression. Support resources include a Big Sister Program, a Pen Pal Program, and a Mail Forwarding Service.
Annual Tri-Ess-sponsored events include the Holiday En Femme, which features fun outings and educational seminars, and the Spouses' and Partners' International Conference for Education (S.P.I.C.E.), which focuses on wives' issues, communication skills and relationship-building.
In addition to educational pamphlets on crossdressing, Tri-Ess publishes a quarterly magazine, the Femme Mirror, with articles on a myriad of crossdressing-related subjects. For spouses and partners, Tri-Ess provides a quarterly newsletter, the Sweetheart Connection. Most affiliates maintain Helplines and publish monthly newsletters. Speakers are available on request.
Hours: Tri-Ess National can be reached 24 hours a day.
Many affiliates maintain their own phones.
The Society for the Second Self, Inc.
8880 Bellaire B2 PMB 104
Houston, TX 77036
(713) 349-8969 (Central Time)
This letter is to all, and particularly the younger people. We at Nu Lambda Pi are particularly sensitive to helping our youngsters and young adults to cope with what they feel is their �problem.� Beyond this, we offer support to their families, the ones that are so devastated when learning that their child or spouse is crossdressing.
We of the older generation have certainly been there. And still may find similar problems even today, as these problems have a way of just hanging in there.
You might ask, "How might you help?" Simply by being there for them and letting them know they are not alone. We can listen, be sympathetic and project an image of normalcy. We can work with health care and other professionals to give comfort and maybe share with them the agony we have all gone through. The old adage of "misery loves company" is so true when one is desperate.
We can also share the fact that we can be successful in spite the �problem.� We, in fact, can help minimize the damage to themselves and their families. But most of all, an understanding resource to head off the severe and unnecessary depression that has, in so many cases, ended in suicide.
Education is truly the answer and we can provide it. If this letter has the tone of a prayer, then so be it; our feelings do run that deep. Our fervent prayer is for God to give His blessings to everyone, and not just the ones without the crossdressing problem.
Respectfully,
Sandy Leigh
Nu Lambda Pi
