Edythe Ferguson Collection

The Ferguson Collection includes sample lists of available lectures on transvestitism, a representative collection of selected lectures on the topic, a few short essays, and a collection of correspondence (primarily that addressed to Dr. Alfred Kinsey) authored between 1951 and 1956 by Edythe Fallon Ferguson, a pseudonym used by a transvestite living in Long Beach, California. Edythe Ferguson had developed a system for instruction in "legitimate female impersonation developed thru [sic] personalized lectures" that she sent through the mail to interested individuals whom she deemed qualified. Prospective students were asked to send her photos, physical descriptions, and information regarding their temperament and mannerisms. Her course included instruction in physical expression, vocal training, fashion, movement, and "encouragement of the psychological aspect and suggestions for acquiring the feminine 'state of mind'." Students were required to report their progress to Ferguson who would furnish between 100 and 120 lectures to the student depending on their perceived rate of progress.

The Ferguson Collection consists of one box containing one hardback bound volume and one archival folder under one series heading: 1) Lectures and Correspondence which includes copies of correspondence course lectures, essays, and letters (primarily to Alfred Kinsey) written by Edythe Fallon Ferguson between 1951 and 1956.

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