Chicago gay bar insists patron match the gender on their ID
A Chicago gay bar has come under fire for insisting that patrons’ appearances match the gender specified on their identification.
Hunters Nightclub in Elk Grove Village said it had to take the measure after reports of drag queen prostitutes advertising on Craigslist and mentioning the venue.
Manager Peter Landorf told the Chicago Tribune he could lose his licence if prostitutes were using the premises to solicit business.
It means that patrons must look like the photo on their ID and appear to be the same gender that is listed on it.
However, the move has been met with anger by a number of trans and cross-dressing customers.
One man, who described himself as a “part-time transgender woman”, told the newspaper it was unfair.
“Since I am not a full-time trans, it is not really feasible for me to have my ‘femme’ photo on my license,” he said. “I do not even know if they would allow it. … This is discrimination, pure and simple.”
He added that up to a dozen people could be found in the bar each weekend who would not match the photos on their identification.
The bar is now working on finding a new solution.
