Professor John Michael Bailey invited the students of his Human Sexuality course to “Hydrag Revue” at the Hydrate Nightclub. Hydrate is billed as “Chicago’s Premier Gay Night Club” on their website. A call to Hydrate revealed that this is not a strip show, but a “female impersonation” dance exhibition.
Full text of the e-mail below:
From: John Michael Bailey <jm-bailey@northwestern.edu>
Date: Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 3:58 PM
Subject: 2011WI_PSYCH_337-0_SEC20: Class outing to Hydrate (to see Tajma Hall et al.) Wednesday
To:
There will be an unofficial class outing to see Tajma Hall and friends this Wednesday (3/9) at Hydrate nightclub in Wrigleyville. Hydrate is at 3458 North Halsted, near the Addison Red Line El stop. Unfortunately, you have to be 21 to get in (and they card everyone). If you come, please arrange a designated driver, take the El, or bring cab fare for the return home.
Tajma Hall will be much more charming and fun than she was in her after class event this year (which was puzzling; she says she was sick).
Also, importantly, bring some (10 is a good number) of dollar bills to tip the performers. It’s fun, and they like/need it (that’s how they earn their living)–I’ll show you how it’s done. There is no cover charge. Oh, the show starts sometime after 10pm (sometimes well after).
I was ambivalent about organizing this given the events of the past week, but not going seemed like the wrong outcome.
Mike Bailey
Thanks for letting me know that they card everyone so I don’t waste my time by trying to sneak in. These laws are so draconian. Like you’ve said, if I’m old enough to vote, I should be able to see any sort of sexual activity. To hell with the law.
Thank you so much, Mike, for exposing me to the diversity of human sexual behavior. It’s all good, right? Can’t wait for when you suggest we take a closer look at pedophilia and bestiality. To hell with the prudes.