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.