Kids at YMCA swim meet run into cross-dressing ball

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-ymca20.html ^

[Ellesu]

In an incident the YMCA is calling "a very regrettable scheduling error," kids arriving for an early-morning swim meet Sunday walked into a gender-bending scene of the kind most of them wouldn't be allowed to watch on TV.

Several of the kids' angry parents clashed with participants in a transgender fashion show, which had been under way at the New City YMCA since about midnight, resulting in a chaotic melee that was eventually broken up by private security guards and East Chicago District police.

A YMCA member had reserved the entire facility, at 1515 N. Halsted, from 11 p.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday for a fashion show and ball, which featured cross-dressing and transgender models in a competition similar to the ones shown in the 1991 documentary "Paris Is Burning." But the facility had also been booked to host the youth swim meet, scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday. When the swimmers -- mostly elementary and junior high school-age kids -- and their parents started showing up shortly after 6 a.m., many of the parents were upset to see the "House of Escada" fashion show and dance in full swing.

"It was like they didn't want the kids to see the gay people at all," said Kashma Avery, in a recorded interview provided by WBBM-AM (780). Avery was in charge of a 13-member security detail for the ball, which he said was attended by about 400 people, most of them gay men.

Scheduling policies face review

As parents and other YMCA members began to complain about the event, New City staff reportedly closed off access to bathrooms and locker rooms, barring the "House of Escada" participants from continuing to use the facility. At that point, party guests and parents began confronting each other in the building's hallways and lobby.

"Some of the guests started hearing sexist slurs," said Avery, "and an altercation ensued."

A chair was thrown, and when a witness mistakenly reported hearing shots fired, police were called to the scene. The scuffle was quickly broken up, and police said no arrests were made.

A spokesman for the YMCA, Luis Diaz-Perez, said Sunday, "The YMCA regrets any confusion or concern caused to our members by this scheduling conflict."

He added that New City, which does not typically schedule overnight events, will today undertake a comprehensive review of its rental and scheduling policies.

[Conspiracy Guy]

This is too weird to comment on, but the Village People come to mind.

[squirt-gun]

This YMCA chapter needs new management as the current leadership has proven themselves to be morons.

[Recon Dad]

Wow, what the hell is a Y doing allowing this crap on their property. If I was a member of this Y Monday the Y manager would be looking for a new job. If that didn't happen I'd quit on the spot.

[BobL]

I don't believe that those were normal parents complaining.

It sounds more like a bunch of bigots that were sent there by talk radio - Rush Limbat to be specific. (another attempt to sound like a liberal)

[FreedomPoster]

>>This YMCA chapter needs new management as the current leadership has proven themselves to be morons.

<*ding!*><*ding!*><*ding!*>

We have a winner!

WTH is a "CA" doing, sanctioning this sort of activity by allowing it on their premises?

[wmichgrad]

New City, which does not typically schedule overnight events

Just what kind of cross dressing, trans-gender fashion show runs from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM? Was the only thing going on a "fashion show"? Hmmmmmmm.

[Lokibob]

"It was like they didn't want the kids to see the gay people at all,"

 

I wouldn't want my kids to see a gay fashion ball.

I wouldn't want my kids to see a hetrosexual fashion ball.

I wouldn't want my kids to see a Victorias Secret fashion ball.

 

I don't understand why other groups (read homosexual, religous, political, any lifestyle) insist on cramming their beliefs on children over a parents wishes.

 

What a way to wake up on Sunday morning for children.

 

 

[KidGlock]

Another instance of Red State people meeting Blue State "people."

[NativeNewYorker]

NYC gay nightlife typically runs during that timeslot. The scheduling from THAT perspective is perfectly logical.

[cyncooper]

He added that New City, which does not typically schedule overnight events, will today undertake a comprehensive review of its rental and scheduling policies.

As if it's some kind of complicated issue.

Good grief.

They got caught running cover. Who thinks "YMCA = middle of the night cross-dressing 'fashion show'"? Nobody normal.

[Egon]

It's a good thing they didn't stumble into a nativity scene. Can you imagine the lawsuits then?

[cyncooper]

I can't believe the YMCA would allow this kind of garbage to take place on their premises, but there it evidently was. You can bet if normal parents showed up and saw going on what is described here they would complain and rightly so.

That does not make them bigots. It makes them sensible.

[todd1]

Yeah... that way they still have time to eat breakfast and let the methamphetamines wear off before going to sleep.

[nw_arizona_granny]

You didn't mention alcohol and drugs.

Is the manager a gay?

If you have worked with them, they get vulgar at times.

This is too un-real.

I wonder if they allow the Boy Scouts to meet there?

[shubi]

The Y is really not a Christian organization any more.

[wmichgrad]

I doubt anyone going to an event at the Young Men's Christian Association wants to see gay people there.

[expatguy]

Welcome to Freerepubl.... Oh nevermind.

Go back to DU and post your nonsense there please.

[foreverfree]

bump

[add925]

Why should we be surprised?