Femmes are having a conference in Chicago in August – hey, did anyone think about how much that’s going to suck for people who wear makeup? – and speaking: Dorothy Allison & Julia Serano, amongst others. From their Mission Statement:
“We are using this term (femme) to specifically and intentionally include lesbians and same-gender-loving women as well as genderqueers, transwomen, and folks of every sex and gender who identify as Femme and see themselves as part of LGBTQIA/SGL and genderphile communities.”
First time I’ve heard the term genderphile, which is meant to mean anyone who loves gender. Hanne Blank used it in her keynote speech at the 2006 Femme Conference (pdf).
If anyone is interested in going to this event, please be aware the planners certainly scheduled it at a great hotel. The Wyndham Hotel Ohare is a 4 star corporate hotel that is almost brand new. The room accommodations and service should be superlative. (It might be a little noisy as it is very near the airport.
Participants will not need a car as the hotel is only about 1-3 miles from the entrance to Ohare. Their livery service should be free and take you back and forth to Ohare if you are coming by air. However, if one does seek to explore other parts of the Chicago area, a car will most likely be needed. Unlike New York’s LaGuardia, or say Bostons Airport, Ohare is really out in the northwest ‘burbs. It is about a $34-40.00 taxi trip one way to downtown. So if one does want to see more, or perhaps experience other night life, then securing a vehicle is wise.
The Art Institute is every bit as good as the NY M of FA.
If one wants a really lovely view of the city and a great Sunday brunch, the 95th Floor of the John Hancock on Michigan Avenue is superlative, a beautiful 360 view of Chicago.
Shopping on Michigan Avenue is also excellent. For those that seek more haute couture, try Oak Street right off Michigan Avenue.
C
Wish we could go! This couple of ageing femmes could use a conference like this. 🙂
It takes a real femme to wear make-up in Chicago in August.