2 - 4 French Place was created by Yvonne Sinclair as the world's first social meeting place for transvestites and transsexuals. The money to rent the property had been raised by members and visitors to 274 Upper Street by donations, memberships, magazine sales, raffles, etc.

It contained an office to help with telephone and written enquiries on the subject of cross-dressing, changing rooms and make-up areas, a bar serving soft drinks and snacks, a telephone helpline, which operated 3 evenings a week, a non-smoking area, large social meeting area and quiet areas. All of this was run by Yvonne with some help from dedicated supporters.

The TV/TS Group ran every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and also ran a "Little Girls Group" on Wednesday afternoons; Yvonne was there for every meeting. Special evenings and Party Nights ensured a packed Centre.

Some of the Special Events that Yvonne organised were a discussion by world-renown psychiatrist, Russell Reid; a muscial evening by "The Pink Singers" (although this group has expanded over the years); a Trad Jazz Band playing in the corner during one party; magic shows and fashion parades. The parties were held for Group members who wanted to celebrate their birthday and New Year's Eve parties, which went on until 4 in the morning. Yvonne organised taxis for those who had difficulty getting home. DJs, who were members of the Group, were also hired to play for the evening.

Yvonne also organised the first conference for the TV/TS world in Cloughton, Scarborough in 1988.

Drag Balls and Parties

Yvonne also ran Drag Balls at the Tudor Lodge although they were seen as "competition" by Ron Storme, who refused to attend. The first event was "Welcome To The Cabaret" and was the first Drag Ball that used the Cabaret world of Weimar Germany as a theme although others followed and copied the format.

The Group also held its annual Dinner And Dance at The Tudor Lodge and a recording of this event was taken by a member from Yorkshire.

A lot of visitors, who were not TVs, often remarked just how much fun they had at these events and how much at ease they were in the company of TVs/TSs

Not bad for a group of people who were often figures of fun in society! At least Group members and friends knew how to enjoy themselves.

2 French Place