CHIC HANDBOOK
Crossdressing and C.H.I.C.
Copyright 1990 by CHIC All rights reserved.
First Printing–April 1977
Revised–May 1990
Edited by:
Updated and revised April 2003
Crossdressers Heterosexual Intersocial Club
Introduction
Even in these socially enlightened days, the subject of men masquerading as
women tends to evoke a great deal of interest from the general populace. The
usual reactions range from mild curiosity, to fascination, horror, or even
disgust. One fact prevails though: the lack of knowledge is virtually universal.
The purpose of this publication is to present a brief explanation of the
crossdressing phenomenon. In it we hope to differentiate between the types of
crossdresser and to broaden your knowledge of the subject. Additionally, we wish
to acquaint you with C.H.I.C. (pronounced sheek), an organization dedicated to
furthering public knowledge and acceptance of the heterosexual crossdresser.This
publication in no way attempts to encourage or advocate crossdressing. Our sole
interest is to further your knowledge and understanding of the subject. For any
further Information on crossdressing, C.H.I.C., or any other subjects covered in
this publication, please direct your inquiries to:
C.H.I.C.
Part One Crossdressing
You pass a woman strolling down a boulevard or shopping mall. Something about
her attracts your attention. Perhaps you take notice of her primarily because of
her size, or an unusual walk or other mannerisms. As you look again you note a
hint of beard shadow, large hands, or some other inconsistency. In a flash the
realization strikes you that the "woman" is indeed a man in woman's clothing.
Think back now, what was your Initial reaction? Were you horrified, amused,
angered, interested? Did you wish to turn away in disgust, strike out in anger,
or simply laugh? Whatever your reaction, most likely you were also mystified and
perhaps spent several days afterward wondering... .Why? WHY DO MEN DRESS IN
WOMEN'S CLOTHES? Men who dress in women's clothing (in this pamphlet we'll
primarily concern ourselves with the male crossdresser) can generally be classed
into three categories: (1) homosexual "Drag Queens, (2) transsexuals, and (3)
transvestites or, if you prefer, crossdressers. Homosexual drag queens most
generally adopt the dress and mannerisms of the female to attract attention.
Their dress and mannerisms are generally greatly exaggerated and they really
don't want to be taken for anything other than men in women's clothing. C.H.I.C.
is oriented toward heterosexual crossdressers and to lending support to their
wives and significant others. The frequency of dressing depends entirely upon
the individual. Some dress daily; others several times monthly; still others
only once or twice a year. Often, during times of forced abstention (such as a
hitch in the military) it is possible to put the drive aside temporarily and
replace it with another outlet. For a male, the need to dress manifests itself
as a gradual building of a desire to dress in feminine clothes. The crossdresser
starts to imagine the feel of the gentle fabrics. The tactile sensations
produced by nylon, silk, satin, and other soft fabrics can be exciting to him.
His wife, girlfriend, secretary or any woman on the street is a constant
reminder of the pleasures waiting in his closet. His drive continues to build,
and unless released, may manifest itself in nervousness, irritability, and short
temper. Some report that if they can't dress occasionally they start to develop
headaches or other neurological ailments.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DRESSING?
During the early stages, many crossdressers conclude their dressing with a
sexual release. However, as the individual matures and his habits develop, the
purely sexual aspect diminishes. After a period of dressing, a deep guilt and
shame may prevail. Because such activities are socially condemned, he is often
burdened with an overwhelming sense of guilt. To have such desires is viewed as
"unnatural," not masculine, and not to be willingly shared with or admitted to a
loved one. As he develops in his acceptance of himself, these feelings diminish,
and the post-dressing period is generally a time for reduction of anxiety. This
condition may remain for some time, until the desire to dress again begins to
build.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL CROSSDRESSER.
It is virtually impossible to describe a "typical" crossdresser. Studies (166
Men in Dresses, C.V. Prince, Ph. D., Sexology Magazine, March 1962) Indicate
that seventy-two percent are married men, over two thirds of them having
children. A higher than average number have attended college (38%) and graduate
school (20%). Their vocations and interests are wide-ranging and diverse. A
large number are employed in "masculine" fields such as engineering, science and
technology. Hobbies include a large number of private pilots, surfers, sporting
enthusiasts and model train fans. Generally, unless he is dressed, he is
indistinguishable from any other man. Rarely is he effeminate when not dressed.
Remember, the crossdresser effects only a temporary change of his role; he still
spends a majority of his time as a man majority of his time as a man. He is the
"typical" husband, son, father, or next- door neighbor.
WHAT ARE SOME PROBLEMS THAT CROSSDRESSERS FACE?
Since their activities are largely socially condemned, most crossdresser's live
in fear that they're going to be "discovered." In many cases, such discovery may
result in loss of employment, rejection by friends and loved ones, and loss of
reputation in the community.To avoid being caught at his dressing, many
crossdressers manufacture complex webs of secrecy. Their distaste with deceiving
their friends and loved ones, added to their negative feelings at the very act
of dressing, may result in emotional or other problems.Also, because of the
secrecy and lack of knowledge on the subject, it is difficult for an individual
to obtain knowledge on the subject. Often then, crossdressers (most often
youths) feel that they are the only ones in the world that dress. Such
loneliness only adds to the self–doubt and guilt. Thus, the hydra-headed monster
of secrecy, guilt, self-doubt, shame, and fear compound the crossdresser's
dilemma. Often physical and/or emotional problems develop, and in a few extreme
instances, self-mutilation or suicide may result.
WHAT ARE FAMILY REACTIONS?
Again, there is little uniformity among crossdressers and their families'
reactions to their dressing. Responses range from virtually total acceptance and
cooperation to antagonistic rejection. In many cases, parents, spouses, and/or
offspring don't know at all, and the crossdresser must carry out his activities
while away from home or in secret while he is alone. Many wives, once they allow
themselves to accept their husband's dressing, are rewarded with a stronger and
far happier marriage. The crossdressing husband often is gentler and more
responsive to his wife's interests, needs, and problems. He is a much better
partner and many crossdressers are blessed with perfectly normal, happy
marriages.But, unfortunately, there are also wives who cannot accept their
husbands' crossdressing. They find it contrary to their preconceptions of how a
"man" should behave. They may be threatened by the strong femininity expressed
during the periods of dressing, sensing "another woman" in their home. Also,
they may doubt themselves, thinking that they must have some sexual or gender
problems of their own if they accept this behavior in their husband. In these
cases, it is very helpful to have open, honest discussions between the partners.
Often, there is the fear that transvestism may involve a progressive aspect;
that is, if one indulges in one fantasy, then something increasingly worse will
follow. Or, that if a wife or parent allows or condones dressing, then the
husband or son will someday want gender reassignment surgery or that he is
latently homosexual. None of these scenarios are preordained. It stands to
reason that if issues can be raised calmly and are heard with concern by each
partner, then resolutions, compromises and agreements might be reached calmly.
It is possible for a wife to not want to participate or be present when the
husband needs to "dress," but still be understanding of the need and help to
arrange unencumbered time in their schedules to allow the husband the
opportunity to express this side of himself.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE CROSSDRESSER'S DESIRE TO DRESS.
As explained above, there is no scientific evidence pointing to any specific
causative factor for crossdressing. The wide variety of background, family
structure, and ages preclude drawing anything more than sweeping generalities.
In the majority of cases, for example, the urge to dress first becomes apparent
at about five to fourteen years of age. However, many crossdressers report they
were not dressing until their thirties or even sixties or seventies. Further
information indicates that dressing and sexual arousal are commonplace during
youth as the crossdresser gets older though, that doesn't necessarily hold true.
Many crossdressers (who still dress well into their "Golden Years") report that
the sexual arousal gives way to a sensual awareness and a kind of calm that
accompanies the times when they are dressed. One conclusion that can be gathered
from the phenomenon is it is incurable. To quote Drs. Bowman and Engle (American
Journal of Psychology, p133, 581, 1957), "It is generally agreed that all types
of psychotherapy are a failure [as a "cure" for crossdressing]. So far there are
no reported successfully treated cases." Drawing from that statement and our own
experience it seems that the best therapy is to hasten the day when the
crossdresser accepts himself and his crossdressing. Organizations such as
C.H.I.C. exist for that purpose and are available for the counseling of loved
ones, dispersal of information, and furtherance of public knowledge and
awareness. However, the greatest service any crossdressing organization can
provide is a social structure geared to getting the crossdressers, along with
their partners, together with others so they may freely talk about their
experiences, problems and challenges. Such "therapy" seems to be a very
successful answer.
WHAT IS C.H.I.C.?
C.H.I.C., or the Crossdressers Heterosexual Intersocial Club, is a social
organization for crossdressers. Formed in Southern California in early 1975 by a
group of concerned crossdressers, its purposes are:
C.H.I.C. is a social organization and, as such, offers the crossdresser an
opportunity to meet with and relate to other individuals sharing his Interests
and needs. One of the most tragic aspects of crossdressing is the loneliness
felt by the individual. Because of its isolated nature, as well as the secrecy
attributed to its practice, the crossdresser finds it extremely difficult to
express his needs and feelings with others. By bringing crossdressers together
in an Informal social setting, C.H.I.C. helps the individual accept his
crossdressing, thereby taking a large step toward positively altering his own
self-image. Additionally, it gives him an opportunity to practice his
crossdressing in a "safe" environment, free from the possible problems of
appearing alone in public. One other important advantage is that the newer
members are able to learn from the more experienced such techniques as makeup,
grooming, clothing styles and general comportment.
Meetings are held monthly, often in public restaurants and occasionally in
members' homes. All members are urged to attend and feminine dress is desirable.
While business matters are discussed, the focus on the fun aspect of dressing
and a party atmosphere generally prevails.
WHAT ABOUT THE CROSSDRESSER'S WIFE?
This, again, is one of the areas of prime concern to the crossdresser. C.H.I.C.
has proven time and time again that the wife's understanding and acceptance of
the problem has been increased measurably by meeting other wives and sharing
problems and concerns. C.H.I.C. makes it a policy to encourage wives to attend
all meetings. All members' wives are automatically members of C.H.I.C. Often,
the wives and other family members will get together and talk informally about
the crossdressing phenomenon. By bringing the subject into the open, they are
able to better cope with it individually. Understanding wives are always
available to new members and their spouses to help them cope with their fears
and anxieties.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
C.H.I.C. is committed to assisting the community understand the subject of
crossdressing. Through our speaker's bureau, interested and interesting members
are available without cost to address professional and academic forums. The
response to such appearances has been overwhelming. Additionally, through
special arrangements, informal panel discussions can be arranged. Here, with
individual interaction, our members are able to dispel many misunderstandings
about crossdressing and the crossdresser. By meeting a number of crossdressers,
the public realizes that there is no true stereotypical crossdresser, and that
under our feminine finery we're just like the guy next door or at the next desk.
Lastly, through publications such as this, we seek to provide the individual
with a way to better understand the phenomenon. It is hoped that eventually this
booklet will reach the individual it was primarily designed for, and who needs
it the most, that is, the crossdresser who has not yet had the opportunity to
cope with his own crossdressing.
WHO ARE MEMBERS OF C.H.I.C.?
The membership of C.H.I.C. is quite diverse and defies any general
classification. We range in age from our early 20's to over 70. We come from all
walks of life and from every socioeconomic level. Among us are college graduates
with advanced degrees as well as some who did not complete high school. The
common denominator is our crossdressing, and with that we are a most compatible
group. Our desire is to help one another, to help C.H.I.C. fulfill its goals,
and most importantly, to help that woman still locked inside her own private
closet of fear and ignorance.
WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS OF C.H.I.C.?
The only membership requirements of C.H.I.C. are that the applicant be a
heterosexual crossdresser and that he be willing to adhere to C.H.I.C.'s
security guidelines. One of the most important factors of C.H.I.C.'s success is
the compatibility of its members, so it is imperative that any prospective
members be able to relate to our club's purposes and to its members. Because
crossdressing is still regarded as largely unacceptable behavior by segments of
the community, our members must use extreme caution to avoid an unplanned
disclosure of their crossdressing behaviors. Such disclosure could cause social
embarrassment, possible vocational problems, or even loss of employment. To help
protect our members from such an eventuality, C.H.I.C. has formed a strict set
of security guidelines to which all members must adhere. Highlights include: Our members use their feminine first names only.
No one asks for another's true name, address, or place of employment; such
information is exchanged a voluntary basis. Members are forbidden from speaking of a third member's name, address, or occupation.
There are other rules that concern the structure and operation of the
organization, but these major items are emphasized here to provide a sense of
our overall focus of the organization. In practice, our members are quite open
with one another; the level of trust is quite high. In many instances, members
meet socially outside of C.H.I.C. activities. Their freedom to relate to one
another makes them much more at ease than being with other friends who aren't
aware of their crossdressing.
HOW DOES ONE JOIN C.H.I.C.?
Any interested person may apply to join C.H.I.C. simply by requesting an
application from the club. After completing and returning the application, the
applicant will be contacted for a personal interview by a member of the
membership committee. The personal interview is designed solely to determine the
individual's suitability to become a C.H.I.C. member. There is no intention of
making the applicant feel ill-at-ease. The goal is to see if he is the type of
person who will fit in with C.H.I.C. and its members. Also, at the time of the
interview, C.H.I.C. is explained to the applicant in detail. Upon the membership
committee's decision, he is either granted or denied membership. In any event,
upon the completion of the membership screening process, the application is
returned to him for disposal as he wishes.
WHERE MAY I OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION?
Additional information about C.H.I.C., crossdressing, availability of speakers,
or any other subjects may be obtained from:
C.H.I.C.
We hope that by reading this publication, you've come to better understand the
crossdresser, his needs, and his drives. If we have added to your knowledge and
understanding of this phenomenon, then we have succeeded in reaching our goal.
Please share this booklet with your friends and acquaintances. Only through
broader understanding can the crossdresser ever hope to gain acceptance for, and
of, himself. Thank you for your understanding. THE MEMBERS OF C.H.I.C Leave a Reply Leave a comment: |
