When did the Beaumont Society widen their umbrella? Back in the day they were just for the "hobby" crossdressers and their partners. (Not sure if WOBS (Women of the Beaumont Society) is still a thing
Hamster00
History from website:
"Originally founded in 1966, the society originally started as a UK Chapter of the secret American organisation “Full Personality Expression” (FPE). In 2010 The Beaumont Society became a registered charity. (No. 1135548). The aim of the society then, is remarkably similar to those of the Charity now :-
The Charity believes transgender people are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of their lives by family, friends and the wider non-transgender community, including businesses and services. To achieve this vision, the Charity will:
Form an association for the transgender community to facilitate mutual support and communication in order to improve the health, emotional well-being and confidence of transgender people.
Promote and assist the study of gender differences.
Educate lay and professional groups about transgenderism, its associated issues and the work of the Charity.
Engage and support the accomplishment of any lawful activity that promotes the above aims.
We also seek to provide opportunities for transgender people to socialise in safe and comfortable surroundings.
From those early roots, the UK Chapter eventually became the Beaumont Society, taking the name of the Chevalier d’Eon de Beaumont. Originally, all members had to be sponsored by an existing member and had to be vetted before being accepted – but this is no longer the case.
Traditionally regarded as a secret MTF group for cross-dressers, the society has significantly evolved since these humble beginnings. It’s now open to any section of the transgender community who would like to join, MTF, FTM, bi or non gendered – even wives and partners. If you are a wife or partner, we would also recommend our sister “partners” organisation which has specifically been established for you."
www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/history/
Stephen Whittle who is an openly F2M transsexual was very involved with The Beaumont Society prior to being co-founder of influential Press for Change etc
2011 interview:
"In 1975 Stephen joined the Beaumont Society, as a trans man and became co-editor of the Beaumont News, a magazine for what was ostensibly a heterosexual male transvestite organisation at that time. In 1979 he was a founder member of the first UK self help group for transsexual people and has remained involved in all the self-help groups that have come into existence since then In 1990 he founded the FTM Network, a self-help group for trans men which now has over 700 members in the UK, and members from another 20 countries." (continues)
lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/stephen-whittle/