A NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY:

During the 1960s-1970s, the term "transvestite" was used by Brewster and others to describe themselves. The terns "transvestite," "cross-dresser," and "transexual" are frequently used as a source of pride in DRAG magazine. HOWEVER, the terms are rarely used by people to describe themselves today, and are considered offensive slurs by many. It is best practice to ask (when appropriate) individuals politely how they identify, listen to them and respect what they tell you. Knowing what a label means is only to help you understand a community. Identity labels are never meant to be prescriptive Even if a person self-identifies a certain way, that does not necessarily mean you should use it to describe them.

​

Photos from the West Virginia and Regional History Center.