Part-time Ladies’ Men (Press, 24 July 1984)

Colleen Toomey, writing for the "Observer", explores the lives of crossdressers Ron and Raymond Morrison, alongside the experiences of their wives, Polly and Vera. The article begins with the Robinson family and the challenges faced when Ron, who has cross-dressed since childhood, revealed his identity to his wife Polly. Initially keeping his compulsion a secret and sneaking in through the back door, Ron's situation became more complicated when their teenage son discovered the truth through a poster proclaiming "Dear Mum and Dad, what on earth's going on?" Luckily, the son accepted Ron's explanation, relieved it was not something worse. Despite the difficulties, Polly supports Ron’s desire to express his identity, creating the persona of "Jenny." However, their relationship strained as Polly found it hard to separate her emotional responses from Ron's cross-dressing. After a separation of three months, they reconciled, agreeing on a mutual understanding of the situation. Polly, recognising the need for coping resources, established a help-line for women in similar situations, highlighting the secrecy surrounding transvestism and the stigma often associated with it. In parallel, Raymond Morrison's story is recounted. For 30 years of his 39-year marriage, he suppressed his desire to cross-dress. Now in his sixties, Raymond enjoys dressing as “Rona,” a persona he has embraced significantly since his children left home. Vera, his wife, initially shocked by this revelation, chose to support him through this transition. She actively participates in helping Raymond with outfits and makeup, describing their relationship as one that accommodates both identities without undermining their bond. Both men express that there is no desire to change or be "cured" of their cross-dressing. They highlight that transvestism provides them with a sense of relief and happiness, allowing them to break free from traditional male roles. Raymond articulates his experience as an escape into a "lighter side" of life, while Polly acknowledges that Ron's cross-dressing makes him a more harmonious person. Toomey captures a broader narrative regarding societal perceptions of transvestism, noting that many view it through a lens of misunderstanding, equating it with homosexuality and perversion. However, she emphasises that many transvestites are, in fact, heterosexual and seek companionship within their marriages. The article delves into the emotional complexity of their experiences, as the men navigate their identities and their wives learn to adapt to this multifaceted aspect of their lives. Ultimately, both couples exhibit a commitment to understanding, acceptance, and love amid the challenges presented by transvestism.

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