Trending Topic: Does Boystown put the 'T' in LGBT?

[Butterfly]

Trending Topic: Does Boystown put the 'T' in LGBT?
Chicago Now
By Alysse Dalessandro
16 September, 2010


http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/redeye-boystown/2010/09/trending-topic-being-transgender-in-boystown.html


For someone questioning his or her gender or who identifies as transgender, having a neighborhood like Boystown nearby can be a gift. Many in the area identify strongly with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues or are, at the very least, LGBT friendly.

Candice Hart, vice chair of Illinois Gender Advocates, said Boystown was the place she felt most comfortable when she first came out as transgender 12 years ago.

"At the time, I looked more male than female," Hart, 60, said. "I was going to gay bars, and they accepted me. My experiences here have been very positive."

But day-to-day realities vary for the transgender men and women in Boystown. Some see the neighborhood as a place to be themselves, while others find it less welcoming than it is to gay and lesbian people.