The annual Pimp-and-Ho Halloween Party at Transit nightclub is a fun-filled gathering of beautiful people, according to the event promoter. Provocatively dressed women and men in big hats, fur coats and brightly colored suits come from around the city, the suburbs and even across state lines for the event at Transit, W. Lake St. The party—which marks its sixth year on Saturday—attracted a record 1, guests last year, local event creator and promoter Brad Altman said.
That problem is that protesters have been calling Altman asking him to change the name of the party. She, along with other community activists and a former prostitute who talked to RedEye, said parties that glamorize pimping and prostitution are a disservice to women destroyed by that lifestyle. The party is one more disturbing reminder that pimps, who abuse women and prey on girls, are considered pop culture idols with drinks, a popular MTV show and cups named after them, they said.
Locals love to get pimped out all year round, according to the manager of Fantasy Costumes Headquarters at N. Milwaukee Ave. At least 50 locals have spoken with Altman by phone to protest the name of the party, he said, adding that many of them were women well outside the twentysomething to thirtysomething demographic of the party.
The definitions of pimp and ho have changed, according to Julia Shell, spokeswoman for Vision nightclub, N. Dearborn St. Bucktown resident Kourtney Slack sees no problem with these themed parties. Those kinds of explanations do not sit well with Lucretia Clay-Ward, who said she spent more than 20 years as a prostitute, saddled with drug addiction and prison time. Even anti-pimp-party organizers acknowledge that changing event names is a small step in the fight against glamorizing pimps.
Altman said he understands the concerns of protesters, but there is something he wants them to understand as well:. Even when prostitutes are not on the corners, many are appearing online, luring customers with sites offering escort services, he said.
