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[Cross-Dressing][Transgender] Prince, Virginia, editor. Transvestia No. 14, an early issue in this foundational title in mid century male to female cross dressing and trans feminine culture in the United States. Transvestia circulated autobiographical writing, editorial guidance, practical advice, and community discourse while gender variance remained subject to criminalization, medical pathologization, and social isolation. Founded by Virginia Prince in 1960, the magazine became a central forum through which trans feminine readers encountered life stories, commentary, and social connection in print, with small circulation publication and postal exchange supplying one of the few sustained means by which readers could find their experiences described in their own terms. Transvestia. No. 14. Los Angeles: Chevalier Publications, April 1962. 82 pages. 6.5 x 8.5 inches. Stapled printed wrappers. Cover printed in orange and black with the large title Transvestia, lace motif border along the left edge, and a black and white cover photograph of a figure bending outdoors; lower cover reads "NO. 14 - 1962." The opening statement, "The Intent and Purpose of Transvestia," defines the magazine as "ENTERTAINMENT - EDUCATION - EXPRESSION" and states that it is published "by, for and about Transvestites." The contents page identifies Virginia Prince as editor, Barbara Stevens as assistant to editor, and Susanna Valenti as contributing editor, and lists "My Year" by Nancy, "The Transvestist Saint" by Doris, "An FP's Bookshelf" by Joanne, "It Should Happen to Us Stories," "Femmepersonation and the Church" by Very Rev. Msgr. Adrian Dwyer, "Letter to a TV Friend," "Episode" by Winfie, "Phi Pi Epsilon News," "Hints and Helps" by Betty, "Out of the Femmi File" by Barbara Elin, "From Model to Modiste Part II," "Susanna Says.," "Virgin Views" by Virginia, "Editorial Emanations," and "Person to Person." One illustrated interior spread reproduces eight halftone photographs with captions including "A woman's work is never done," "Let's see now-what's for dinner?," "Back from the store hope I didn't forget anything," "Nancy and April (5-3-61) ready for a walk," and "Seeing the sights!" This issue demonstrates the role of Transvestia as a community forum for trans and cross-dressing interests, combining autobiographical narrative, self expression, practical advice, religion, editorial commentary, and organizational news. The presence of "Phi Pi Epsilon News," "Person to Person," and the article "Femmepersonation and the Church" shows how Prince's publication helped trans feminine readers negotiate everyday life, friendship, and legitimacy before later liberation era publications broadened the field. Minor rubbing and light toning to wrappers with a little staple wear; clean, complete, and well preserved. A very good early 1962 issue of the central periodical in twentieth century American trans feminine and cross dressing print culture.
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