2008 Woodie Awards
City may loosen drag show restrictions
Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: News Briefs
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A measure that removes limitations on where the kings and queens of drag can strut their stuff is on its way to the City Council.
Chicago's current code says clubs showcasing female or male impersonators need a special permit for "adult entertainment cabaret," limiting them to certain areas of the city. The permit also includes strippers and topless dancers.
But on Tuesday, the City Council's zoning committee approved a measure that lifts those restrictions for drag shows; the City Council will consider it next month.
Alderman Burton Natarus, who calls gender impersonation "a talent, an art form, a form of entertainment," says the old code is unfair and discriminatory.
"It is clean entertainment because they are not taking off their clothes," Natarus said. "If they take off their clothes and expose parts of their body, then you are dealing with an adult use, which requires a special license."
Alderman Thomas Tunney, who sponsored the measure, said the old code is "archaic" and the proposed change reflects current industry trends.
He said impersonators are seen in almost every movie and stage show.
"I am not saying people are totally comfortable with it, but people are not totally turned off," as they may have been when the original restrictions were made, he said.
Chicago's current code says clubs showcasing female or male impersonators need a special permit for "adult entertainment cabaret," limiting them to certain areas of the city. The permit also includes strippers and topless dancers.
But on Tuesday, the City Council's zoning committee approved a measure that lifts those restrictions for drag shows; the City Council will consider it next month.
Alderman Burton Natarus, who calls gender impersonation "a talent, an art form, a form of entertainment," says the old code is unfair and discriminatory.
"It is clean entertainment because they are not taking off their clothes," Natarus said. "If they take off their clothes and expose parts of their body, then you are dealing with an adult use, which requires a special license."
Alderman Thomas Tunney, who sponsored the measure, said the old code is "archaic" and the proposed change reflects current industry trends.
He said impersonators are seen in almost every movie and stage show.
"I am not saying people are totally comfortable with it, but people are not totally turned off," as they may have been when the original restrictions were made, he said.
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