Windy City Times - Chicago,IL,USA

LOCAL NEWS

Forum held on Hunters' ID policy

by Steven Chaitman

2009-12-02

The T-Storm Coalition for Gender Justice organized a forum Nov. 23 to
discuss the new door policy at Hunters Nightclub in Elk Grove Village
that supposedly targets transgender individuals.

Prominent figures and concerned citizens in both the Chicago trans and
greater LGBT community gathered at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N.
Halsted, for the discussion, which was moderated by openly gay state
Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago. Among the topics addressed were the
reasons for the change in policy and which laws, if any, defend it.

Hunters' management was invited to the forum but were not present.
Instead, they provided a written statement that was read aloud at the
meeting. Part of the statement, as follows, addresses the legal aspect
of the policy.

"Without our true and steadfast dedication to the laws that govern our
industry there would be no place in the northwest suburbs for the
LBGTQ community to assemble and enjoy a safe environment," the
statement read. "If these laws seem discriminatory, it is not our
intention. These laws are in place to stop underage drinking and every
retail liquor establishment must follow these laws, not just Hunters.
This is NOT Hunters Nightclubs Elk Grove's policy, it is the law."

Management from local LGBT nightspots Big Chicks and Roscoe's were
present at the meeting and addressed this particular point.

"Our concern is, 'Are you over 21?'" said Michelle Fire, owner of Big
Chicks. "That's the real key. Not what you dress like, not what you
look like, not what gender you appear to be. [ Trans ID ] hasn't been
an issue. In the history of the business everybody has always looked
different. It's not like there's a cookie-cutter version of any of us,
so I think this issue is kind of strange to come up at this point."

In a previous Windy City Times story about the Hunters' ID
controversy, manager Peter Landorf said the law is that the look must
match the ID, which is an obvious obstacle for any patron who goes out
in a look that is not permanent. Landorf also said that issues with
sexual solicitation on the Web site Craigslist involving Hunters and
indecent exposure prompted the tightening of the policy.

Members of T-Storm and their advisor—Rick Garcia, political policy
director of Equality Illinois—as well as Harris were not aware of any
law or legal precedent that upholds Hunters right to turn down anyone
whose look is not identical to their ID photo. The Human Rights Act,
however, is inclusive of the transgender population, stating one
cannot take into consideration a person's sexual orientation or gender
identity in housing, employment and public accommodations.

" [ Equality Illinois is ] very concerned that everyone be treated
fairly and equitably in the great state of Illinois, nothing more or
nothing less," Garcia said. "You can't have a different set of rules
for different groups of people. We're committed also to helping
business and public accommodations understand what they can and cannot
do under the law."

Discussion leaders also felt prostitution was a separate issue that
Hunters is responsible for policing within their establishment. The
pressing concern, they said, is that the policy appears to be applied
arbitrarily.

On Oct. 23, members of T-Storm and others totaling 40 people attempted
to enter Hunters in drag. According to Kate Sosin and other T-Storm
organizers, many were let in with looks that didn't match their IDs,
although two were turned away in the initial group and a few who tried
to get in later in the night reported much later that they had also
been denied entry.

One member who was turned away was Aidan Tharp, a 22-year-old grad
student who went to Hunters in a dress, a brunette wig, some make-up
and a female ID. Tharp says he then changed out of his drag clothes
and approached the same doorman who turned him away earlier and at
that point was allowed in the club.

"If this is supposed to be a law or standard, it's not being applied
consistently," said T-Storm organizer Christina Kahrl.

Many voiced concern over the arbitrary timing of the policy as well.
Hunters has existed for 27 years and has served the trans community
for much of that time.

"This has been a safe place for us to gather for many, many of those [
27 ] years," said Helena Bushong, T-Storm organizer and transgender
health advocate. "Why now? Why now is this policy being instituted,
and I might add again, inconsistently? Why is it after 25 years of
participating in their business and being a safe place for gender
variant people they can't come to us, even today they can't come to
us, and talk to us?"

"Hunters Nightclub is one of our bars, and we're invested in it, in
keeping it a safe place," Sosin said.

T-Storm and other organizations—including the Gay Liberation Network,
Join the Impact-Chicago, The Bilerico Project, Genderqueer Chicago and
the Straight and Gay Alliance Ministry—endorse a boycott of Hunters
until the club makes a concerted effort to work toward a change in the
policy or the way it is currently implemented.

Chicago Gender Society ( CGS ) President Jackie Perry was also at the
forum. Hunters has sponsored the CGS float at Chicago's annual pride
parade in the past as well as solicited through the organization's
newsletter. Perry said she was stunned and disturbed by news of this
policy and, consequently, CGS has stopped accepting money and
withdrawn all advertising for the nightclub.

T-Storm, Garcia and Harris all encouraged anyone who has felt
discriminated against by Hunters to file a complaint with either or
both the Illinois and Cook County departments of Human Rights.

The meeting ended with Sosin calling for solidarity on the issue and
an end to the notion of the "T" in LGBT being silent. Organizers also
stressed the importance of reaching out to the "L," "G" and "B" for
support if any change is to occur.


Copyright © 2009 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.

http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=23690

Girls Night Out / Holiday Theme & Cookie Table -Warren, Ohio-Sat December 19th
Girls Night Out / Holiday Theme & Cookie Table -Warren, Ohio-Sat December 19th,
9PM at the "Funky Skunk" 143 E. Market Street "Savakis Building" Parking across
the Street in the Heritage Galleria Parking lot.

Christmas Holiday Theme & Holiday Cookie Table
Please bring any Holiday Cookies that you would like to share with everyone!
It's always great to see everyone and meet some new girls too!

Hotel Info:
Comfort Inn Warren (Where most of the Girls stay at and less than a 3 minute
walk right around the corner from the "Funky Skunk" front door.)
136 N. Park Ave.
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 393-1200

Girls Night Out – Ninth Year Anniversary! -Warren, Ohio-Sat January 16th
Girls Night Out – Ninth Year Anniversary! -Warren, Ohio-Sat January 16th, 9PM at
the "Funky Skunk" 143 E. Market Street "Savakis Building" Parking across the
Street in the Heritage Galleria Parking lot.

Nine Years ago 5 Local Girls started Getting Together for a Night Out every
month!
Now The Warren Girl's Night Out is one of the Most Active Monthly TG Events in
NE Ohio & Western PA.
It's always great to see everyone and meet some new girls too!

Hotel Info:
Comfort Inn Warren (Where most of the Girls stay at and less than a 3 minute
walk right around the corner from the "Funky Skunk" front door.)
136 N. Park Ave.
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 393-1200

T OUT MIC

Hi Musicians/Performers,

For many members of the general community, music, poetry, prose, short stories
and comedy are important methods for expressing and sharing their lives.

The Center on Halsted is the sponsor for this event.  It is co-sponsored by
OUTmusic Open-Mic, and Homolatte.

This event will be co-emceed by myself, Jami Bantry, and Lars von Keitz.

Basic sound equipment will be available (PA system and mics).  For those
interested, a small portable amp (Vox digital w/ effects) will be available to
plug in a guitar, and for those interested, a Casio Digital keyboard (CTK 571)
will also be available.

The venue is primarily intended for acoustical performances (slightly amplified
acoustic guitars, non-amplified electronic keyboards, violins, cellos,
saxophones, harmonicas, etc.), for spoken word, and for performance art.

This is not a professional event; it is intended for those who would like to
sharpen their skills/talents/repertoire in front of a very accepting audience.

ALL wishing to participate/perform are invited, and to sign-in. 
Instrumentalists, instrumentalists/singers, singers, spoken word performers,
spoken-word performers with musical back-up, performance artists, etc, are ALL
welcome.

Performances will be a "round-robin" type situation. Depending upon how many
performers attend and sign-in, there may be opportunity to perform more than
once during each event.

For those who wish to sing, this is NOT karaoke with a compact disc or computer
background music. However, if you sing, there might be someone there who plays
an instrument and knows a song you want to sing, you can sing a cappella, or you
can collaborate with someone beforehand and rehearse prior to the event.

Reading/reciting poetry, prose, and short stories, performance art and comedy
are very welcome.

Group performers are encouraged to participate.

Let your imagination "run wild." Show your talent, and be Proud of it. You
deserve the acclimation. And... you never know... you might connect with others
who would be willing to musically collaborate with you beyond the T Out Mic -
jamming, performing, recording, writing, etc. It's all about networking.

Sign-in time is 7:00, performances begin at 7:30pm, and will run until about
9:30pm.

Scheduled event dates:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday,  February 18, 2010

Additional dates to be determined, but will probably occur each 3rd Thursday of
the month.

In a safe and nurturing environment, the Center on Halsted serves as a catalyst
for the LGBTI    Q community that links and provides community resources, and
enriches life experiences.

Here is more information for the next event and the venue:

Name of Event:  T OUT MIC
Date of Event:  January 21, 2010

Start time:  7:00 pm for sign up, 7:30pm for performances
End time:  9:30 pm or a little later
Reservations:  None required

Contact info:
Emcee:  jami_bantry@...

Transgender programs:  transgender@...
Center on Halsted: http://www.centeronhalsted.org/

Admission fee:
Suggested $5 donation... NOT required (donations help support the Center's
Trangender programs)

Location:
Center on Halsted
3656 N Halsted Street
Chicago, Illinois, 60613, USA
Phone:  (773) 472-6469

Transportation:
By automobile or by public transit
Public Transit:
Chicago Transit Authority - Redline rapid transit to Addison walk east to
Halsted (4 blocks) then north to Halsted and Waveland 1 block.  More public
transportation information at the Center on Halsted website given above.
By automobile:
Map available at the Center on Halsted website given above.

It is NOT advisable to park in the underground parking garage at Center on
Halsted.  This parking facility is for Whole Foods customers only.

The Center on Halsted - I hope to see you there.

Take care; please be, and ALWAYS stay, safe and well.

jami bantry

Note: This is not spam. I either know you, or you signed up on the list we are
all on. If you want off my list, just reply back with remove in the subject
line. It's just that simple. Thank you.

Hello,
Happy New Year to everyone.
As we enter the new year, it is clear that there is an un-finished issue in our
community.
Hunter's night club is still requiring SOME transwomen to have an ID, which
shows them en fem.
If you are one of the many who have been denied entry for this reason, please
know that you have the full support of not only the person in charge of
enforcing the law on a state level, but the new officers of IGA, as well.
As a first step, there will be a meeting of possible complainants and attorneys
from local civil rights advocates.
Please contact me, directly, to discuss your intentions.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
June

Hello, are you a Tgirl, (cd, tv, tg, ts), who enjoys playing with
other Tgirls?

Do you love the feeling of painted lips locked tight, bras pushed
together. while satin gloved hands are caressing silk covered
bottoms, nylon clad legs slide along one another?

Then this group is for you;
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/t-girlplayhouse

A Chicago area group for the planning and organizing of local
Tgirl play sessions.

Visit today and let your adventure begin.

Until we do meet,
Silky Kisses and Satiny Hugs,
June

Hi,
Here in the Chicago area the Trans community is blessed to
have several hard working organizations advocating for our rights.

Tomorrow night, representatives from these groups will gather
at Center on Halsted, to meet and learn from members of our
community.

Sending representatives are;
                            Illinois Gender Advocates
                            Equality Illinois
                            Gay Liberation Network
                            Chicago Gender Society
                            Chicago Chapter of TriEss
                            Island Girls

Details
                            Wednesday, Jan. 27th
                            6:30pm
                            Center on Halsted,
                            Room 204
                            3656 n. Halsted
                            Chicago, Il.

Come out, meet your advocates and share with them your views,
concerns and issues.

While this is a free event, please send an RSVP to me, at;
june_latrobe@....

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Hello TransOhio friends, family and allies!

We're pleased to announce that our 3rd Annual TransOhio Transgender & Ally Symposium will be held the weekend of August 13-15, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio!

3rd Annual TransOhio Transgender & Ally Symposium: Call for Presenters!

We are currently accepting program proposals to be presented at the 3rd Annual TransOhio Transgender & Ally Symposium to be held August 13-15, 2010!

All proposals should be submitted online. Symposium Proposals (https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=puHuRpiFcPX-Utic6CRFmXw)

This year we are expanding our symposium this year to include:

Friday, August 13th: Provider's Day
Explicitly for medical, legal, and social work professionals (CLEs/CLUs)

Saturday, August 14th: General Conference
Covering a broad range of interests throughout the community

Sunday, August 15th: General Conference
Continuation of programs with a diversity of topics

Proposals can be for a seminar, presentation, panel, workshop, discussion group, activity and/or performance space, fellowship activity, arts and crafts, etc.

We will seriously consider all submissions, and will give preference to fresh ideas. So don't be shy, and think outside the box! Please fill out this form as it will appear for publication. The information that you submit will be used on the conference website, in advance publicity, and in the program book.

Keep in mind that Friday's program is geared toward the continued education of service providers. Please indicate in the space provided whether you have presented the topic before, and if CLEs/CLUs were offered with attendance.

Depending on scheduling, we may request that you present both Friday and Saturday if the topic will also benefit the larger community, and we will consider this as space allows.

All proposals should be submitted online. Symposium Proposals ( https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=puHuRpiFcPX-Utic6CRFmXw)

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010!

Need ideas? Have any questions, comments, or concerns? Please direct them to Milo Primeaux at milo@...!

Interested in being a Sponsor of this year's Symposium? Email Shane Morgan for Sponsorship packets (shane@...)!

Good luck!

TransOhio Board of Directors & Symposium Planning Committee

Educate. Advocate. Support. Community.

Girls Night Out – Warren, Ohio-Sat February 20th
Girls Night Out – Warren, Ohio-Sat February 20th at the "Funky Skunk" 143 E.
Market Street "Savakis Building" Parking across the Street in the Heritage
Galleria Parking lot.

The Warren Girl's Night Out is one of the Most Active Monthly TG Events in NE
Ohio & Western PA.
We had about 40 girls show in January!
It's always great to see everyone and meet some new girls too!

Hotel Info:
Comfort Inn Warren (Where most of the Girls stay at and less than a 3 minute
walk right around the corner from the "Funky Skunk" front door.)
136 N. Park Ave.
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 393-1200

Hello Friends,
Recently I wrote you about my return to
Center on Halsted and the exciting future of
Trans-focused programming at the center.

The key to the success in all this is knowing
just what the general Trasngender community
wants from the center.

In order to better understand what is desired,
we have created an new survey.

This survey can be found at;

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/transgenderatCOH

Please take a few minutes and complete
the survey.
Your input is important to us!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

June LaTrobe

Girls Night Out – Warren, Ohio-Sat March 20th
Girls Night Out – Warren, Ohio-Sat March 20th at the "Funky Skunk" 143 E. Market
Street "Savakis Building" Parking across the Street in the Heritage Galleria
Parking lot.

St. Patrick's Day will be the Wednesday before but I think it would be fun and
Wear some "Green" (If you want to) and extend the Celebration into Our Night
Out.

The Warren Girl's Night Out is one of the Most Active Monthly TG Events in NE
Ohio & Western PA.
We had about 30 girls show in February!

It's always great to see everyone and meet some new girls too!

Hotel Info:
Comfort Inn Warren (Where most of the Girls stay at and less than a 3 minute
walk right around the corner from the "Funky Skunk" front door.)
136 N. Park Ave.
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 393-1200

Hello,

For those who missed this important film at its recent showing,
here is good news.

Facets Multimedia will be showing the film for a whole month.
There are many different times, days, etc.

It would make a wonderful subject for an outing, as preparation for a
group meeting, a super "take a TRANS SOFFA event,
or just to see and enjoy.

March - April 201

The Facets Cinémathèque is located at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. in Chicago. For
more information on films playing in the Cinémathèque, please call 773-281-4114.
To order advance tickets online, visit the TicketWeb website by clicking here.


PRODIGAL SONS

Debut filmmaker Kimberly Reed dives headfirst into an
unflinching portrait of her family that is absolutely engrossing
and marks her coming-out, in more ways than one.

Returning home to a small town in Montana for her high
school reunion, Reed hopes for reconciliation with her
long-estranged adopted brother.

But along the way Prodigal Sons uncovers stunning revelations,
including a blood relationship with Orson Welles and
Rita Hayworth, intense sibling rivalries and unforeseeable
twists of plot and gender.

Reed's rare access delicately reveals not only the family's
most private moments, but also an epic scope as the film
travels from Montana to Croatia and Kim Reed's compassionate
vérité style of film making captures the lives of her family in
such an organic way that their exceptional and challenging
stories puncture the surface of our expectations.

Questions of sexual orientation, identity, severe trauma and
family love are effortlessly explored as the subjects freely
open up their lives to the camera.

Raw, emotional and provocative, Prodigal Sons offers a
moving, illuminating examination of one family's struggle to
come to terms with its past and present.

Directed by Kimberly Reed, U.S.A., 2008, 86 mins.

Show times:
Fri., Mar. 26 at 7 & 9 pm
Sat.-Sun., Mar. 27-28 at 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm
Mon.-Thurs., Mar. 29-Apr. 1 at 7 & 9 pm

PROGRAMS INTERN – SUMMER 2010
 
 
About Us: Equality Federation is a national alliance of 55 state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations from 41 states.  Our member organizations seek to effect policy change primarily through state legislatures, conducting public education campaigns, implementing community organizing efforts, and working to elect LGBT-supportive legislators.  Equality Federation was created by state leaders to be a national vehicle for sharing expertise and resources and for driving more resources to state-level work.
 
Equality Federation's Vision: Equality Federation members envision a fully-funded movement that includes effective statewide organizations with strong leaders who are an integral part of a national effort to win full equality in every state and territory.
Equality Federation's Mission: Equality Federation will achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations in a state-based movement.
 
Location and Supervision: This is a virtual internship opportunity supervised by the Director of Programs and Services from Columbus, Ohio.  The intern will be responsible for setting their own work location and hours. Regular phone check-ins will be scheduled and, if logistically possible, in-person meetings will be held between the intern and Director.  Travel for said meetings will be at the expense of the intern.
 
Reimbursement/Compensation: This is an internship with no pay and no stipend.  We will do whatever we can to help you obtain scholarships or stipends that may be available from your school or other sources.  We can also work with you to structure your internship so that you may receive credit from your school.   As this is a virtual internship, there are no "set" or "required" hours for the intern.  Success will be measured on the quality of the project(s) completed and degree of performance during the internship.  Perfect opportunity for a self-motivated individual!
 
All expenses are the intern's responsibility and intern must supply their own computer.  All materials, files and products of the internship will be at all times considered the property of Equality Federation and will be expected to be delivered to the Director of Programs and Services at the end of the internship experience.
 
The Intern will have the opportunity to participate in Federation hosted online seminars with other interns placed at state organizations around the country.  These seminars cover topics such as:  Overview of the History of the LGBT Movement; Field Organizing Strategies; Development Skills; and Leadership Paths.  Additionally, a successful internship may result in the opportunity for the intern to attend the Equality Federation Summer Meeting (in Baltimore Maryland, 8/2 – 8/8) all expenses paid.  Criteria for securing this opportunity will be set during the intern's first week.
 
 
 
Internship Qualifications:
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25.  Preference will be given to those enrolled in a degreeâ€�granting program at least halfâ€�time as a graduate or undergraduate student, or who have successfully completed a graduate or undergraduate degree program within the 12 months preceding the internship application submission. A lack of current enrollment in a degree-granting program is not an automatic disqualifier for this internship and community-based applicants are welcome.
 
Applicants should:
•         Fully support the mission of Equality Federation;
•         Be committed to social justice and interested in all aspects of how movements work;
•         Be unafraid to discover what they don't yet know.
 
Applicants should have: •         Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
•         Outstanding written and oral communication skills;
•         Ability to consistently meet deadlines;
•         Solid ability to self-motivate and work independently;
•         Strong research and analysis skills;
•         Some familiarity with federal, state and local political processes.
 
Evaluation of Performance:
•         Quality of internship deliverables and written materials;
•         Successful prioritization of workload;
•         Quality of any research and analysis completed;
•         Demonstrated professionalism.
 
Outcomes/Deliverables:
The primary project for the summer internship is to:
Collect and analyze data on legislative and political victories from cities and states in the Equality Federation's Southern States' Cohort.  Provide a final written report with suggestions to create a Southern States' Victory Narrative to help dispel the myth that equality victories for LGBT people cannot be achieved in the South;
 
Once the first project is finished, additional activities may include:
Gather data on each of the 50 states' legislative session(s) and create a document to help inform the future programmatic work of Equality Federation;Work with the Director of Programs and Services and the Director of Finance and Operations to develop a method by which to evaluate similar member association and the benefits they provide their members in preparation for recommendations to Equality Federation's Board of Directors;
Assist with the development of an Advocacy Planning Tool Box to enable state leaders to write strong and comprehensive legislative advocacy plans.

To Apply:
Please send letter of interest and current resume to Lynne Bowman, Director of Programs and Services at lynne@....   Deadline to Apply is May 7th.
 
Official internship start and end dates will be determined on an individual basis.