This year marks a crossdressing milestone for the members of Crossdresser’s Heterosexual intersocial Club commonly known as CHIC which started fifty years ago this year (1975) in a far different world than we know today. Security of the members was paramount as families, careers and much more could vanish immediately if the crossdresser was discovered. I will have a link at the end of this post for those wanting to learn more background context but will focus on the crossdresser milestone here.
The members of CHIC are trying to locate former members who left the club and moved on for various reasons and would appreciate everyone out there in the internet world passing the word. A celebration of this crossdressing milestone will be planned sometime this year for both current and former members that are interested in attending. Any help in locating former members will be much appreciated by the membership.
THE PERSONAL CROSSDRESSING MILESTONES
Over CHIC’s half century of existence many archived one of their own personal crossdressing milestones which in some cases was their first. Fifty years ago there was no internet only many times sleazy adult bookstores and in very rare cases word of mouth. Even Gay bars were underground for the most part in those days so CHIC provided a safe haven for crossdresser’s. The Stonewall uprising in New York was just six years prior and public attitudes did not change overnight. For many crossdressers their CHIC experience was the first time they ever had a conversation in person with another crossdresser. It typically started by calling the CHIC information line on designated nights and times for the initial first contact.
Trusting anyone with your lifelong secret was another crossdresser milestone which was not automatic but evolved into strong personal relationships. Many members have enjoyed and maintained strong rewarding personal relationships spanning decades. Over time personal details are shared and bonds become stronger. While not founding members there are 3 who have more than 30 years with the club.
EVOLVING CROSSDRESSING MILESTONES
While finding a crossdressing group filled all the goals of some crossdresser’s milestones for others were the realization that CHIC was not for them. While socializing and interacting with crossdressers it became obvious to them that they were different. While there were many common traits there was more that they needed out of life. I used to tease the other members that we are so boring with our conversations of fighter planes, makeup, guns, heels, muscle cars, wigs, and dresses they left.
In truth CHIC was not a crossdressing milestone for them so much as a realization that the answer they sought needed to be found elsewhere but, CHIC was instrumental in that realization. Each understood that they actually were not a crossdresser and left to move on with their personal journey’s. Some completely transitioned while others partial and some simply living full time as a woman. Hopefully all are happy and successful in their endeavors which we will discover if they join us to celebrate.
Please spread the word if you are aware of any former members living across the country and have them contact me. contact@mickifinn.com
Regardless of where the former members of CHIC are I think they will all appreciate that CHIC existed as a crossdressing milestone and was there for them when it was needed.
For some historical context here is a link to the CHIC 50 website. https://chic50.org
Micki , I remember Espy Lopez was the first CHIC member I ever met in person , that was at the Port Angeles get together, it was 2 years later that Joann call for my interrogation as you well know things were very secret back then , I had the luxury of meeting some of the best people in the world, we did have some adventures, as you well know old age is creeping up on a few of us , I am going to try and make that meeting if possible, thank you for the heads up
Susie