Some comments on the comments ...

[bobbiemlv]

It seems to me that there are varied viewpoints as to when it's proper to wear certain clothing to certain events. I think a vote of some kind is in order. I realize that Joann & Annie are our leaders, but they don't constitute a majority. The only problem with a vote is; do we take it from DLV as a whole or just the org committee. Some of us view a full gown as a costume (I do not), and some as simply a form of expression.

This is the second year in a row that this has come up and just like last year it wasn't important enough to say anything at any of the events, but wait until DLV is over. Do any of us think that in a group of even 8 or 10 of us, no one is going to be recognized as tg? If you think that then YOU need a reality check. Does the dress receive negative comments from mainstream?
As far as what I have personally seen, especially at BB, the answer is emphatically NO!

There are many of us that wear long dresses and skirts or only slacks, just because we don't like our legs(I am one of those) and if i could find a petticoat for a few of my skirts, I would wear it because it tends to give the appearance of waist, which I don't have.

Which do you think is worse for our image; a person who dresses like a slut or a society dame? A micro-mini or a full floor length dress.

If you go by any definition of what a costume is, then you would realize that anything anyone wears IS a costume. It's the first thing that people notice as to who we are. Isn't it more important to know who we are and not what we are?

[annie]

> It seems to me that there are varied viewpoints as to when it's proper to
> wear certain clothing to certain events. I think a vote of some kind is in
> order. I realize that Joann & Annie are our leaders, but they don't
> constitute a majority. The only problem with a vote is; do we take it from
> DLV as a whole or just the org committee. Some of us view a full gown as a
> costume (I do not), and some as simply a form of expression.

If there is to be a vote, our standing rules do state very clearly that the electorate of DLV is the ORG group, specifically those of voting status. This comes from our long-standing principle that it is those who do the work who make the decisions.

However, we also have very clear standing rules regarding who makes the decisions as to what is and is not allowed at the various activities. Those are the designated Coordinators of record. They are the ones who decide what is and is not appropriate to wear at an activity. By definition, this would also include deciding what does and does not constitute a costume. These Coordinators (with one exception) are the ones responsible for the enforcement, if any, of dress guidelines.

I don't think we need any rules, votes, enforcement, or any new formality.

I do think we need some consideration on all sides.

[Marisa]

Sarah Charles is correct about the bathrooms at Paris,I hav'nt found a unisex restroom there yet.I also find that convention area bathrooms in most of the casinos to be vacant most evenings.Most Starbucks have restrooms to lock yourself in also.