Registered Charity No 297527
The Information leaflet contains the following:-
The Beaumont Trust is a registered charity established in 1986 and funded voluntarily by donations. Its aim is to assist those who are in any way troubled by gender dysphoria or who are involved in such people's care, and provides referrals to appropriate organisations, professional counsellors, and self help groups. It aims to advance public education about all aspects of gender dysphoria related to transvestisim or transsexualism and to protect the good mental and physical health of such individuals.
Gender identity refers to a person's sense of him, or herself as masculine or feminine. The cause of gender dysphoria remains uncertain and may well be a combination of internal hormonal and learning mechanisms in the early environment. There is no clear evidence of an inherited or familial factor. Both transvestisim and transsexualism often lead to social consequences, which may require skilled specialist counselling. Neither condition is amenable to 'change', any more than is homosexuality or left-handedness. At one end of the scale is the occasional cross-dresser who perhaps adopts the clothing of the opposite sex for fetishistic reasons while at the other end of the spectrum is the transsexual who, with thoughtful and carefully directed therapy, usually becomes happier as an individual after the gender affirmation process. Between these two extremes are gradations, with the transvestite functioning somewhere in between. The transvestite who knows that he, or she in rare cases, is not alone and not insane is more able to come to terms with the condition and learn to live with it. Gender possibilities are broad, as are those of sex. People can exist anywhere along the continuum.
Transvestisim tends to be little understood, though work in recent years
to change public attitudes means that it is, perhaps, no longer a subject
of fear, but is more seen as being harmless. It is a subject commonly treated
in the press in a way which exploits it for sensationalism, but women's magazines
seem to be more sympathetic. Perhaps it does not feel such a threat to women
as it does to men. When one is very close to the person, however, it may
well be a different matter. Among families it seems to be very threatening
at first. Understanding is not as good as it might be among people in the
caring professions, the clergy, police and social workers, who may be called
on to offer help.
The unhappiness often experienced by many transvestites comes from loneliness
and anxiety about their situation, and considerable confusion about their
feelings. In a sense they are a minority group, who fail to conform to what
is regarded as normal behaviour and may therefore fear the consequences should
the activity be discovered. Society's acceptance of females who choose to
dress in traditionally male clothes is widespread in the West, but cross-dressing
by males is much less accepted. Throughout history, women adopting the male
role have largely gone unremarked. Partners are often concerned that their
man may become homosexual or transsexual, though this is unlikely to happen,
once the person is sure of himself. Some transvestites do opt to live full
time as women and some may be homosexual or bisexual by coincidence.
In many transvestites, however, the urge to cross-dress is irresistible.
Belief in society's lack of approval may make the transvestite attempt to
suppress the behaviour, or to keep it secret from those whom he loves for
fear of destroying the relationship. This may lead to a depressive phase
where counselling by understanding professionals is crucial. The Beaumont
Trust plays an important part in offering support. The Beaumont Society &
other groups provide an outlet for transvestites and their wives to meet
socially and to correspond with others to help combat the sense of isolation,
and there are other self-help groups around the country.
The majority of transvestites are heterosexual men, who are often married
with families. The desire to cross-dress seems usually to begin at an early
age when the only available clothes may be those belonging to female members
of the family. A transvestite boy may suffer feelings of isolation and guilt,
but is often too young to realise the reasons for the need. At first
cross-dressing is often non-sexual but during puberty may take on erotic
overtones.
Transvestisim is not a disease and therefore the term 'cure' does not apply.
It is a behaviour pattern which has underlying reasons which are not yet
fully understood. In some societies, it might be perceived as a harmless
quirk. It may however be regarded as threatening in a relationship. Often
the transvestite has avoided telling his partner, believing it may pass once
he is married, only to be discovered accidentally at a later stage when it
re-emerges. The female partner may feel let down or angry at not being told.
Often cross-dressing is simply a safety valve and a form of escape from the
pressures and responsibilities of work and social demands. A partner may
react with complete revulsion, leading to separation and divorce. At the
other extreme, the partner may find the behaviour pattern intriguing, perhaps
even stimulating. The majority probably fall in between these two extremes
and form some sort of compromise and tolerance without necessarily
approval.
A transvestite who indulges in cross-dressing at the expense of time spent
with wife and family, and at the cost of purchasing a double wardrobe, risks
alienating both wife and family. If the couple can work together in mutual
acceptance of feelings, and to support the partnership, there is a real
possibility that the marriage may be strengthened and enhanced. Such
transvestites may have developed a better understanding of the opposite
sex.
Many partners lack knowledge and assume that cross-dressing equates with
homosexuality. They may also fear the possibility of contracting a sexually
transmitted disease. A transvestite is no more at risk in this than any other
member of the public. More commonly a partner may feel inadequate and believe
that somehow she must have failed her husband as a woman. Often the most
damaging is the feeling of being deceived and that the secret has gone unshared
despite the intimate life which they otherwise have. Like the transvestite
himself the partner may fear adverse reaction from parents, relatives, friends,
and particularly the children of the marriage.
It is important to remember that people who cross-dress are primarily
individuals, and that labelling can do considerable damage. Individuals should
not be categorised and each person should be treated as an individual in
their own right.
The incidence of transvestisim is estimated at approximately one in a hundred of the male population. It has never been accurately estimated in the female population. The incidence of transsexualism is considerably rarer, probably being of between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 15,000 of the population. Thus a town of 100,000 people may have at least 500 males who cross-dress and five to eight transsexuals. The actual figures are probably considerably higher. Many transvestites cross dress in the utmost secrecy for fear of censure or ridicule, while those who have overcome this problem can be said to have "come out of the closet." It should be pointed out that, while some transvestites say their dressing is an expression of their 'femininity,' transsexuals dress in a way they feel is appropriate for their innately determined gender identity.
This is usually characterised by a continuing conviction that the physical anatomy is incompatible with the true gender identity. Thus a female to male transsexual will feel she has "a man's mind trapped in a female body" and vice versa. Surgical attempts to allow such individuals to live in their chosen gender role, known as gender affirmation surgery, are less complex for the male to female (mtf) than for the female to male (ftm) clients. However, entering the adopted social role is often much simpler for the ftm. Hormone prescription for mtf transsexuals is said to lower sexual appetite, while for ftm's the reverse is said to be the case. Transsexuals may be heterosexual or homosexual, like the rest of the population. Sexual orientation is a variable, and some transsexuals are content to remain celibate.
Erotic fetishism is the dependence on particular objects, or parts of the body, to obtain sexual arousal. Clothing may come to be a fetish object for this purpose and may enhance sexual stimulation during solitary, or partnered, sex. Common fetish objects are female underwear, leather wear and rubber, but almost anything can be identified and come to be used as a fetish object. The problem seems recorded more frequently, and in more judgmental terms, for males than females. Using female underwear for fetishistic purposes is one reason for partial cross-dressing. While many transvestite adolescents may go through a phase where the wearing or using clothes of their choice produces an erotic experience, it has intrinsically a different motivation from fetishism.
Masochists derive pleasure from pain or humiliation usually within a sexual context. In their wish to play on their idea of the 'weaker sex' some males may cross-dress in order to be dominated by a partner. It is the fantasy experimentation with issues of power within relationships. Its opposite is sadism.
People in the gay community are, in general, content with themselves as men or women. Many gay men emphasise their masculinity. Some have more feminine personalities and the distinction is clearly marked in some countries. Possibly it is the more feminine gay men who cross-dress, though such behaviour is often frowned on, and they may find an outlet in parodying women, as in 'drag' (cf. DRessed As Girls) acts.
Role-reversal in pantomime is part of theatrical tradition, and was a recurring theme in Shakespeare's work. There are also many male or female impersonators, drag artists and comedy sketches involving cross-dressing. Drag balls, fancy dress parties and student rag sessions afford an opportunity for the public to dress for fun, highlighting the gender stereotypes by ridiculing both sexes.
It takes great courage to admit that one cross-dresses. It is quite likely that individuals may initially contact a helping organisation such as a gay group or the Samaritans, both well known for their confidentiality. Listed here are some of the specialist helping organisations.
The Trust has a telephone helpline which operates every Tuesday and Thursday
evening from 7 pm. until 11 pm. on 07000 287878. (+44 7000
287878) (07000 BTRUST)
Its address is The Beaumont Trust, BM Charity, London WC1N 3XX.
All communications will be strictly confidential, and it would be greatly
appreciated if enquirers would enclose a stamped addressed envelope, or an
International Reply Coupon.
The Trust is a registered charity (number 297527), the aim of which is the
support of transvestites, transsexuals, their friends and families. It fosters
research into both psychological and social aspects of transvestisim and
transsexualism and can provide speakers to address other organisations. It
produces literature and arranges workshops, develops befriending facilities
and assists with conferences. The Beaumont Trust includes professionals and
members of other relevant organisations as Trustees and Officers.
It attempts to help find appropriate assistance for the gender dysphoric
person and his or her relatives and partners, and can advise individuals
of the most appropriate organisation to suit their requirements.
Beaumont
Society - a self-help association established in 1965 to facilitate
contact for transvestites, transsexuals & those close to them. It has
a membership approaching 800 and there is a national network of contacts.
It operates in complete confidentiality and retains the individual's security
whilst enabling contact with others to be made. It produces a regular bulletin
& magazine for its membership. The address is The Beaumont Society, 27,
Old Gloucester Street, London. WC1N 3XX and the 24 hour information line
is 01582 412220
FTM Network BM Network, WC1N
3XX. Support network specifically for FTM Transsexuals.
Mermaids BM Mermaids, London, WC1N 3XX. 07020 935066 (12 noon to 9 pm) Family support group for Children & teenagers with Gender Identity Issues.
Seahorse Society BM SEAHORSE London WC1N 3XX. Support for Transsexuals, Heterosexual Transvestites & those close to them.
Northern Concord PO Box 258, Manchester M60 1LN.A national organisation based in Manchester, support for Cross Dressers, Transvestites, Transsexuals, & their wives or partners.
TransLiving International PO Box 3, Basildon, Essex SS14 1PT A group for Transgendered people & those who care for them. Helpline 01268 583761 (9 am - 8 pm daily)
Women of the Beaumont
Society (WOBS) is a support group run by, and for, wives and partners
for support and to help support those whose husband's or partner's behaviour
is difficult to understand. Those seeking further information may write to
BM (WOBS), London, WC1N 3XX, enclosing an SAE, please. The Women of the Beaumont
Society have an individual helpline available from 7.30 to 11.00 pm. on
Gendys Network BM GENDYS, London, WC1N 3XX. An association of people who have experienced Gender Dysphoria themselves, as partners, or as professionals involved in their care. Publishes a quarterly journal, & arranges meetings & conferences. Also referral for individual counselling if required.
The Gender Trust is a
registered charity, which provides help for transsexuals. It has a membership
organisation, with a contact system, befriending and referral for counselling.
Carers and professional workers are invited to join as associate members.
It publishes a guide and a quarterly magazine. The Gender Trust helpline
for transsexuals (before 10.00 pm.) is
Press for Change Political lobbying & campaign organisation whose aims are to obtain equal rights & civil liberties for all Transgendered people. BM Network, London, WC1N 3XX
In conjunction with other organisations The Beaumont Trust produces a paperback
book which expands on the information contained here called Transvestisim:
A Guide price £13.50 including postage.
The subject of cross-dressing is complex. The aim of this leaflet is to give an outline of some of the problems that may occur. It is not possible to give all the answers to all the problems. If, after reading this leaflet, you would like further information, please write to us, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
Biological Sex is being male or female, as determined by chromosomes,
and body chemistry. In puberty it is marked by the development of secondary
sexual characteristics, facial hair in men, breast development in women,
and so on.
Gender is expressed in terms of masculinity and femininity. It is
how people perceive themselves and how they expect others to perceive them.
It is largely culturally determined.
Cross-Dressing refers to the adoption, fully or partially, of the
clothes normally identified as belonging to the opposite sex. People may
cross-dress for a variety of reasons of which transvestisim, transsexualism
and fetishism are the commonest. Some people may also cross-dress as part
of a disguise or for entertainment. Others may cross-dress as part of masochistic
activities.
Transvestisim is cross-dressing, with the desire to adopt the clothes,
appearance and behaviour normally associated with the opposite gender. For
some it is simply 'dressing up,' while for others, known as Dual Role
Transvestites, it is a need to adopt the opposite role as fully as possible
on a temporary or full-time basis.
Gender Dysphoria refers to the profound dissatisfaction that one’s
gender is in conflict with one’s physical sex. The term is used by the
medical profession to describe the condition of those who seek medical and
surgical assistance to resolve their difficulty.
Transsexualism is a profound form of gender dysphoria where there
is a conviction of being "trapped in the wrong body" and the need to express
oneself and to be as far as is possible in ones perceived gender.
Hermaphrodite or Intersexual is a person whose physiological sex is
ambiguous. The situation may, or may not, be accompanied by various degrees
of gender dysphoria.
Homosexuality is where sexual attraction is felt for a person of the
same sex. Most men who cross dress are not homosexual.
Bisexuality is where sexual preference is for either or both sexes. In general, those who are homosexual or bisexual are quite satisfied with their gender and body.
This page was last revised 30th September 2004