document updated 16 years ago, on Nov 21, 2009

In August 2009, Hunters instituted a new rule that people have to have an ID that matches their gender presentation, otherwise they won't be allowed in.
reliable sources:
- Chicago Tribune
- NBC Chicago
The Illinois ACLU stated that it might not be legal for them to do this.
protests were planned and a few people showed up
MY GROUP held a meeting on it... haha, weird
(personal note: I did a lot of Google searches to see if any other bar in the country is doing this. Hunters was the only one I could find)
Hunters management responded to the criticism by publishing this letter to the editor:

Hunters Nightclub in Elk Grove Village was founded in 1982 to provide the suburban LGBTQ community with a dance club where they could be safe, out and proud. That has been our mission for nearly three decades.

In accordance with Illinois and Cook County law, it has always been a requirement that a person’s ID picture match his or her appearance. Proper identification checking insures that there is no underage drinking. It is mandatory for all and any patrons entering any retail alcohol establishments. This is not Hunters’ policy. The law applies to all and we are not at liberty to make exceptions. This is no small task for us or any other of the LGBTQ establishments licensed to sell liquor, and cannot be taken lightly as it is the lifeblood of the bar’s revenue stream. We understand that obtaining an ID picturing oneself as another gender can be done and the Secretary of State’s office does outline guidelines for getting one. We sympathize with the transgendered community that there may be an inconvenience in getting a new ID, however a large number of our transgendered patrons have already received their new IDs without much trouble.

Hunters is proud to be a part of Chicago’s LGBTQ community, and has a longstanding commitment to supporting philanthropic community organizations, including those that benefit LGBTQ youth, those affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as the transgender community. We at Hunters provide a fun and safe dance club where all in the community are safe and welcomed, a commitment we honor with pride each day.

– MARK HUNTER, PATRICK VOLKERT
STAFF OF HUNTERS NIGHTCLUBS