Thongs

So, another group session, and somehow the conversation goes to cross-dressing. Apparently there is a guard infamous for wearing women’s undergarments. It strikes me as a very bad choice in prison to be known for this particular proclivity. But the question arises as to why somebody might do this.

I pull the current DSM off the shelf to find the diagnostic category, and as I flip through the tome, I start talking about it. I’ve had three or four clients over the years that either cross-dress or are looking at sex change, and I casually mention this. They are amazed. It seems like such a bizarre and rare occurrence; how could I possibly have experience with it?

I explain about the sexual arousal part of this activity and the concept of being caught in the “wrong” body. They’re still stuck in the thought that I actually have treated guys with this issue. I point out that men don’t generally get together, drink beer and talk about their underwear.

“Well, do women?”

“Of course we do!”

Silence.

“What if you came home and S (the husband) was in high heels and a black lace thong?”

“Well, that would be a problem; after almost thirty years I’d be a bit freaked I didn’t know that about him.”

“You’re BLUSHING.”

“I’m sure I am, and Mr. Diaz, if you’re not careful, I’ll picture you all in high heels and thongs… Omigod, Mr. Diaz, there you are heels, thongs and your black socks.”

And now he blushes.