Chicago Gender Society Articles Page

The December, 2004, Business Meeting of the Chicago Gender Society (CGS) was held on Tuesday, December 14th and was called to order at 8:15 p.m. by President Sara Fenwick.

Sara asked the attendees to introduce themselves and answer the Dumb Question of the Day, which was as follows: What type of underpants do you prefer?

Secretary Stevie Conlon referred members to the circulated December Primrose for the minutes of the previous business meeting.

Vice President Kati Thomas referred members to her report in the December Primrose.

Carol Rogers gave the Treasurer's report. She referred to her report in the December Primrose and then provided additional information. She indicated that the Thanksgiving dinner had essentially been a breakeven event and that although information was preliminary, the Christmas Dinner appeared to net a surplus of over $1,000. Carol made a motion to the membership that a portion of this surplus be given to a charity (to be designated). She acknowledged that she had not discussed this motion with the CGS Board. Maureen Connors moved that this motion be tabled until after the matter could be considered by the Board. Lyseth seconded the motion and a majority of the membership voted in favor. Accordingly, Carol's motion was tabled until the Board considers the matter.

Following the officers' reports were these announcements:

Sara announced that next month, SideTrack would present their annual wine tasting at the CGS business meeting.

Sara thanked all of the volunteers that assisted with the CGS Christmas Dinner and all of those who made donations: Kati, Renee, Stevie, Steve, Olivia, Carle, Gina, Rev. Bradley, Rae Anne, Karen, Ariana, and Raquel.

Sara discussed the upcoming Equality Illinois Gala Dinner and Fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, February 5th at the Chicago Hilton & Towers Hotel. She also mentioned that Equality Illinois was looking for volunteers to assist with the dinner.

Diana Williamson announced Illinois Gender Advocate's upcoming events: Equality Illinois will be discussing the pending Illinois anti-discrimination bill at the January meeting; faith and race issues for transgendered people will be discussed at the February meeting, the ethics of treating transgendered patients and cosmetic surgery would be the topic for March; gaining GLBT acceptance for transpeople would be the topic for April and the May meeting would include a presentation regarding the About Face Youth Theatre.

Donna Greer of the Island Girls discussed her recent experience at the midwestern Fall Harvest conference, and the recent and upcoming Island Girl socials. She also discussed her experience traveling and having her luggage searched.

Carol discussed the upcoming Miss CGS Pageant , that was tentatively planned for Saturday, January 29th at the Sabre Room at 95th & Rt. 45 in Hickory Hills. She indicated that only five contestants had signed up but that at least six contestants would be needed to hold the pageant. Contestants should contact Carol Rogers regarding the pageant (there will be a “fifties chic”

theme).

Carole Abrams announced that the CGS Transsexual Support Group would be meeting on Friday, January 21st at Carole's home in Wheeling.

Carole also discussed the upcoming PFLAG Palatine meeting and potluck dinner to be held on Sunday, January 2nd. And, she discussed the new PFLAG chapter in Chicago.

Pamela informed the members of a new support groups for transgendered individuals transitioning to full time in Hinsdale. The next meeting would be on January 23rd at 4:30 pm at Hinsdale Church. The meeting was expected to last one hour and then dinner typically follows.

Lori Fox announced that a Tall Women's Clothing Store in the southern suburbs was going out of business and that there were terrific bargains available.

Stevie passed around the sign-up sheet for the Illinois Gender Advocates email listserve. She also discussed her recent quote in the Wall Street Journal and her band's pending show celebrating their soundman Steve's birthday.

Anjelica Kieltyka updated the members on the latest developments regarding the Bailey controversy.

Cathy Sikora, Equality Illinois board member, was the featured speaker. She discussed issues for transgendered people regarding Illinois driver's licenses and state identification cards.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. with approximately 60 members in attendance.