> too, that an explanation of the code designations that are at the end of the
> activity descriptions. You know the ones I'm talking about. Like "ms" 'sv".
Well, I can explain how our activities are classified (the "MPJ Scale" - I've never figured out what the P stands for)
but those particular confusing abbreviations only appear in the ORG group's working schedule. They are replaced with the plain-language dress suggestions and the degree of exposure in the final schedule.For our planning purpose, we divide our activities into three (actually four, but only three appear on the schedule) very broad classes which identify mainly the degree of exposure to the general public and such factors as the perceived "TG-Friendliness" of the venue.
These are:
1. Safe Venue activities. These happen under controlled circumstances or in places known to be TG-friendly. These are typically the most comfortable for those without any public exposure. The Alternative Bar Crawl and the Beginner Open House are good examples. Usually (but not always) there are few if any dress restrictions for Safe Venue activities. An example of the exception would be a GLBT bar or nightclub where the door staff enforces a dress code. There will be minimal interaction with the general public at Safe Venue activities.
2. Major Venue activities. These are typically activities in venues intended for the general public, but where DLV is the only or the primary occupant. A very good example would be the Welcome Celebration of recent years. The Major Venue activities do offer some degree of comfort for those who are not used to public exposure even though they are in facilities normally used by the mainstream public.
3. Mainstream activities. These are activities where DLV will be sharing the venue with members of the general public such as tourists, visitors, and Las Vegas locals. Good examples would be the Charles Bar, Lunch With Ginger, and Dancing at Paris. Exposure to the general public can be expected at the Mainstream activities.
These translate to the "Degree of exposure" notes on the final schedule, and to an extent drive the dress suggestions as well, but there's no "one size fits all" dress guideline for any of these.
We try to balance things. In many cases we'll have "Safe" and "Mainstream" options in the same timeslot, such as our common gatherings on Sunday evenings. For our larger things, such as the Welcome Celebration and Farewell Bash, we'll select venues with a happy medium between mainstream-ness and comfort.
