Posted on 12/20/2004 5:01:16 AM PST by 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.
True,that...
By the way,in case you hadn't heard...The lesbians LOVE to eat at the Y. :P
Much better BobL, at least I saw the sarcasim. LOL
"Cross-dressing ball?"
What, it came as an ovary?
He is learning. he forgot to post sarcasim on another thread. i almost went for a Zot/troll until I read further down. We will keep our eye on him and help him along.
"This is true. Between parents standing up to drag queens, Americans
becoming willing to curtail Muslim rights for safety and people
demanding Christmas carols, it sounds like Americans are finally
waking up and seeing if they don't start standing up for their rights
and their country, they are going to loose both."
Amen
"This is true. Between parents standing up to drag queens, Americans
becoming willing to curtail Muslim rights for safety and people
demanding Christmas carols, it sounds like Americans are finally
waking up and seeing if they don't start standing up for their rights
and their country, they are going to loose both."
Amen
How about just saying it was a fashion show for ugly girls and quietly moving the kids away.
Why is the an organization with the word YOUNG having such an event anyways?
Merry Christmas to Our Troops
I do learn quick, but I do appreciate the support.
Ya'll are so funny! I'm so glad I found this site.
Careful... this place'll corrupt you. Like me, I always get compliments when I'm at my absolute most shameful. :^) Welcome!
Yes I knew. I am a lesbian trapped in a man's body.
Agreed.
...except that they're not talking about NYC.
Having lived in major cities my whole life, and with close friends in others, this is actually something I know something about. :)
Transgendered = mutilated & mentally ill.
Pray for them; they need it!
Christian, once upon a time; now in name only.
One of Rush's male lesbians? Cool!
Live long member.
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