Nude Tranvestites provides an engaging look into the dynamic discussion between transvestites and sexologists regarding cross-dressing in 1910. Male transvestites argued they should not be lumped together with homosexuals but should instead be recognized as their own sexual minority group.
Das 3. Geschlecht’s image captions provide insight into the values at work in this negotiation, and which were central to its goals: they judged individuals based on how effectively they staged themselves as members of their desired sex, taking into account bourgeois respectability, aesthetic balance and professional success as evaluation criteria.
These images were part of an ongoing dialogue among transvestites about fashion and style; reader letters to the magazine often discussed this issue. How should a “decent” transvestite dress? These pictures helped readers become more fashion aware, increasing their stylistic confidence and sharpening readers’ awareness.
As well as broader issues, specific concerns were addressed in Das 3. Geschlecht images such as this example:
