Gay Bar ID Policy Called Discriminatory

A Chicago-area gay bar has launched a policy that requires patrons to present photo ID that matches their "gender presentation," a directive that causes a problem for patrons who visit the bar dressed as one gender but live primarily as another.

Hunters Nightclub in Elk Grove Village said it was forced to institute the policy as a way to curb prostitution, which could cause the venue to lose its liquor license, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"Hunters Nightclub reluctantly imposed its new ID requirement because cross-dressing prostitutes were advertising on Craigslist and mentioning the establishment, said manager Peter Landorf," the Chicago Tribune reported. "Under the new admission rule, cross-dressers must have a government-issued photo ID that looks like the person presenting it at the bar."

Patrons such as Andy, who declined to give his last name, called the requirement "discrimination." Andy lives as a man primarily in his daily life, which is reflected on his driver's license, but visits Hunters Nightclub dressed as a woman.

Hunters Nightclub recognized the concern and said it was open to devising another solution.