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Cross Roads

Groups and places for Silicon Valley area men in women's clothing to hang out By Kelly Luker and Dan Pulcrano Just as it has revolutionized about every other area of life, the Internet has been the key to freeing transvestites from self-imposed secrecy and exile. There are thousands of Web sites dedicated to bringing men who dress as women together for support and companionship. Those interviewed for this article suggest Transgender Forum, which links to many more sites. There are also various groups and meetings around the South Bay, East Bay and, of course, San Francisco. The following is a small sampling: Silicon Valley Gender Association of San Jose gathers at the Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center at 175 Stockton Ave. in San Jose (408/293-2429). Rainbow Gender Association in San Jose meets on the first and third Friday of each month (408/984-4044). Diablo Valley Girls of Walnut Creek throws socials on the first Monday of each month (510/937-8432). ETVC-San Francisco holds several meetings a month (415/337-5409). Carla's offers support and education in helping men learn to find their outer woman. Interested folks can visit in person at 175 Stockton Ave., San Jose, (408/298-6900) or online. Unfortunately, there are no organized groups for transvestites in Santa Cruz at this time. However, Surf City sisters can check out Carla's for the 411 on others in their neighborhood. More Online Resources Newsgroups: alt.fashion.crossdressing. alt.support.crossdressing. Cross dressing in popular culture: Lyrics to Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side". The words to "Lola," by the Kinks. Official site of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]