Driver

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This posting is from: mindyjrussell
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I will be comming to PF this year.

Due to some health considerations and a desire to make up for the
cocktails I missed at DLV this year I was wondering if somebody who is
flying in wouldn't mind driving to events if I supply the vehicle.

All I would ask would be that you have a valid DL and insurance and not
be to big a drinker. I would prefer that we stay at the same hotel but
do not need to share a room. My wife may come along but do her own
thing exploring Chicago on her own.

Mindy

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This posting is from: Ginger
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As I think others will support, unless you stay at a hotel not in
walking distance of the train, a car in Chicago, especially downtown can
be a serious liability and expense.

Several years ago I told a friend to park on a downtown street in a
space that would become off limits when rush hour started. I told her if
we didn't get back before the spot became illegal I'd pay the ticket. We
were a few minutes late retuning and the ticket cost me $100!

About the only place a car will be desirable is if we decide to put
Hunters out in Elk Grove Village on the schedule. In that case you
should be able to get plenty of volunteers as the designated driver.


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This posting is from: annie
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>As I think others will support, unless you stay at a hotel not in
>walking distance of the train, a car in Chicago, especially downtown
>can be a serious liability and expense.

For the past several Pinkfests, I've done fine without a
vehicle and I prefer it that way. Parking in the River North
area is a major hassle, plus I want to be able to enjoy a
few adult beverages without worrying about a DUI summons.

The cost of a so-many-days train pass and the occasional
taxi ride comes out less than a rental car, even if parking
is not factored in.

>About the only place a car will be desirable is if we decide to put
>Hunters out in Elk Grove Village on the schedule. In that case you
>should be able to get plenty of volunteers as the designated driver.

Hunters (loud dance club with quiet areas) is not really a
must-do for me. I'll go along if others are going. It's
probably the only place we regularly go where you'll have
trouble without a vehicle. If I go out there I'm always
VERY sure to have a ride planned and a back-up!

Some Pinkfesters who like Hunters will stay at the Days Inn
next door. Very easy to close the place and stumble back
to the room. :)

One other place (which I like very much) where a vehicle
may be helpful is that little bar on Roosevelt in the
Forest Park neighborhood. It's a walkable distance (6
blocks or so) to the train station, but I wouldn't wanna
do that alone in the wee hours. I'm sure the Harlem bus
(Pace?) is a "Cinderella" route, so having a car helps
out there.

About everything else, even the west 'burb places such
as Winberies, Janna's, etc., are easily reachable by
train and/or bus.

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This posting is from: Jannas Place
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Hello Annie, the little bar you were talking about here is gone. Too
bad as it was a friendly little place.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Oct.

Many hugs to all of you! Xoxoxo Janna www.Jannasplace.com

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This posting is from: Evette
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How is an non-passable CD received on the Bus or Train?

How many have traveled in fem on the public transportation
in Chicago? Would it be better to take a cab?

Being a novice CD, I do not wish to put myself into any bad
situtation, but would like to get out more.

Evette

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This posting is from: annie
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>How is an non-passable CD received on the Bus or Train?

Hey, if Tammy Faye Bakker can pass, so can you! :) :)

>How many have traveled in fem on the public transportation
>in Chicago?

I would suggest that you not be concerned about passing
per se, but more on the concept of blending, so that you
don't attract unwanted attention and can relax when out.

In the history of Pinkfest, I can't think of a single
incident of any of our people being hassled on a train
or a bus. Our people tend to prefer the train (El and
subway) over the bus, and I do think the comfort level
of the trains is higher than that of the bus.

>Would it be better to take a cab?

I would say "it depends" in most cases.

If you're going from a River North hotel to the Boystown
bars, for example, by all means take the train. If you're
going to some of the western 'burbs and you don't have
much experience in public, you might wanna do a taxi or
bum a ride, as the trains do skirt along some "iffy"
areas on the way there.

My suggestion for public transit is to dress to blend in,
don't travel in groups, and keep your voices down.

>Being a novice CD, I do not wish to put myself into any bad
>situtation, but would like to get out more.

If you're a beginner, the first place I suggest you go is
Janna's Place for a makeover. Ask for tips on how to
duplicate the look yourself. This can be a real confidence
booster and can help with the anxiety of being out in
public.

(Janna, you can send my commission check to the usual
address.) :) :) :)

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This posting is from: Francine
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the biggest think that comes to my mind is not trying to dress like a 16
year old. Dress you age and act your age when in puyblic especialy.

Make a few friends as soon as posible and ask them for personal
pointers. 98% of sisters will be willing to help you out.

Don't travel alone a group od 2 to 4 is great but when you get groups
much larger than that it tends to draw attention.

Remember even a GG in a mini skirt will draw more tattention from those
unwanted than a girl in jeans or slacks. Dress to blend in not draw
attention.

Fran

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This posting is from: Ginger
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It seems to me most people are so busy they don't notice others.

Moreover, today it's more common to see people of questionable gender
and I think most accept it if the person's dress is within normal
limits. That being the case you will be reasonably safe and if people
notice why worry if they accept you?

Go to the mall or wherever people of your age group gather and you want
to be like and observe how they are dressed and act. Do likewise when
you are out. Then you will likely be accepted even if you don't pass.

The more I think about the term "accepted" the more I like it for TG
people. The task is to be accepted even if you don't pass. I think
Carla/Stu Rasmussen, "America's First Transgender Mayor" who attends DLV
is a great role model for acceptance and has no concerns about passing!
She is so visible in her community she can't pass, but is obviously well
accepted. We should all do as well!

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This posting is from: Ginger .
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I don't want to disagree with Annie, but I often take the bus have never
had a problem. As for what mode of transportation to use I agree with
her that it depends.

It depends on how you are dressed. If I'm wearing a cocktail dress and
pumps on my way to a nice dress up event or if it's late at night and
I'm in a questionable neighborhood a cab is a better alternative and
worth the $$$.

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This posting is from: Gloria
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Well said!

Huggs,

Gloria

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