A popular cross-dressing haunt and gay bar in Elk Grove, Illinois, Hunters Nightclub, is now requiring that all patrons show a valid photo ID that matches their “gender presentation,” i.e. a photo ID that shows them in drag.

Hunters Nightclub reluctantly imposed its new ID requirement because cross-dressing prostitutes were advertising on Craigslist and mentioning the establishment, said manager Peter Landorf.

“They’re implying they’re coming here,” said Landorf, whose new rule could cut down on his cross-dressing clientele. “If it is prostitution in any form, that could cost me my liquor license.”

Under the new admission rule, cross-dressers must have a government-issued photo ID that looks like the person presenting it at the bar. That, of course, is a serious hurdle for people like Andy, a “part-time transgender woman” who lives in Goshen, Ind., but goes to Chicago to “dress” as Jeanette.

The ID requirement is unfair, he said.

“Since I am not a full-time trans, it is not really feasible for me to have my ‘femme’ photo on my license,” he said. “I do not even know if they would allow it. … This is discrimination, pure and simple.”

According to  ACLU spokesman Ed Yohnka, it is discrimination.

“The fact is, if they are only requiring this of cross-dressers, that would be problematic because it would single out cross-dressers or transsexuals for a special burden,” Yohnka said. “Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, they can’t do that.”

Landorf said that the bar is trying to come up with a better solution.