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Villa Julie College Student Encounter  by Barbara Van Horn

After introductions Rachel begins the work of dismantling the myths by presenting an overview of what doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and genetic researchers know and what they think. Rachel carefully points out that crossdressers are only rarely gay with about the same rate as the general population. One myth down.

We transition to each of the presenters telling a little about themselves. Victoria is first. Even though we've done this many times genuine heartfelt emotions are often visibly near the surface. Vicky takes a long pause for composure. The students are riveted, most unwilling to look away or even make a sound. Some of the students are touched. A young man in the second row has trouble making and keeping eye contact.

It's Barb's turn. She stands up and moves to the lectern announcing she thinks better on her feet. She loves public speaking and has a master's degree in education. Add a few years as a college assistant professor herself, she's in her element and loving it. The students can tell. They're beginning to warm up. Hands begin to be thrust into the air with regularity. The panel is busy explaining how we decided on our names, when did we discover we were "different", why do we do this anyway, what do you do when you're dressed up, what bathroom to you use in public, what does your wife think of all this, are you embarrassed when you buy tampons? We find the tampon question really amusing. We discern we really don't have much need for those since most of us are past the age when we would need them. Where do you buy your clothes, what direction do your feet point in the restroom stall? Why do you all look so normal? A young man with close-cropped hair in the second row informs Barb she looks like his friend's mother. Barb suggests the young man get an "A" for the class and credits her "Betty Crocker" wig for making her look like everyone's mother.

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