When Marsha Botzer attended the Ingersoll Gender Center Holiday Happening entitled " Dress to the 99's" her
presence there epitomized the pride and power of growing up in the gender community. The event was held on
December 4, 1999, in the beautiful domed room of the Arctic Club in downtown Seattle. As dozens of formally
dressed ladies sashayed by, some escorted by men in formal attire, Marsha realized the irony of the event. She
relayed to me that in an earlier time during this century the Arctic club had once been an exclusive male club and
now, as the millennium draws to a close, that same exclusive club is filled with women in gowns and dresses.
Unique women and men representing the full spectrum and diversity of the gender community united in one area
to celebrate the coming millennium.
During the event, interspersed with cocktails and socializing, Marsha Botzer, Founder of the Ingersoll Center,
was assisted by Tom Page in recognition of volunteers who are a vital part of the center. Awards were given to
the volunteers with emphasis placed on the value of their contribution to the center and community.
Marsha and Tom further recognized and presented awards to individuals and organizations that had contributed
to the Ingersoll Gender Center and the community. Their contributions supported the goal of advancing the
rights, understanding, and acceptance of GLBT individuals. One of many persons recognized was Nadja Dee
Tanaka. Nadja coordinated Ingersoll's first public fundraising event, the "Back To School Film Festival," and
was honored for her contribution to the community.
This year's event marked the 16th anniversary of this celebration and, for the first time, featured dancing. All the
big names in music were present, thanks to a taped DJ who could accommodate many types and styles of music.
The dance floor was never lacking companionship as the music played.
Throughout the evening there were catered hors dÂ’oeurves and other delicacies in abundance to kill any girlish
figure but too tempting to resist. The energetic and amazing Suzanne Adams fluttered continually about the room
with her camera catching all the action. Suzanne also hosted the auctions and raffles keeping excitement in the
air.
The night continued with foods and desserts, dancing and socializing, and sharing pride in our community. Having
a long way to go in the new millennium we can look back with pride and empowerment at the giant steps made in
the previous.
Ingersoll Gender Center was founded in 1977and supports transgendered people towards growth and well being.
Ingersoll provides support, education advocacy, and information resources for people interested in gender
identity issues and for service providers, employers, families, and friends in order to promote understanding,
awareness and acceptance of gender diversity.
presence there epitomized the pride and power of growing up in the gender community. The event was held on
December 4, 1999, in the beautiful domed room of the Arctic Club in downtown Seattle. As dozens of formally
dressed ladies sashayed by, some escorted by men in formal attire, Marsha realized the irony of the event. She
relayed to me that in an earlier time during this century the Arctic club had once been an exclusive male club and
now, as the millennium draws to a close, that same exclusive club is filled with women in gowns and dresses.
Unique women and men representing the full spectrum and diversity of the gender community united in one area
to celebrate the coming millennium.
During the event, interspersed with cocktails and socializing, Marsha Botzer, Founder of the Ingersoll Center,
was assisted by Tom Page in recognition of volunteers who are a vital part of the center. Awards were given to
the volunteers with emphasis placed on the value of their contribution to the center and community.
Marsha and Tom further recognized and presented awards to individuals and organizations that had contributed
to the Ingersoll Gender Center and the community. Their contributions supported the goal of advancing the
rights, understanding, and acceptance of GLBT individuals. One of many persons recognized was Nadja Dee
Tanaka. Nadja coordinated Ingersoll's first public fundraising event, the "Back To School Film Festival," and
was honored for her contribution to the community.
This year's event marked the 16th anniversary of this celebration and, for the first time, featured dancing. All the
big names in music were present, thanks to a taped DJ who could accommodate many types and styles of music.
The dance floor was never lacking companionship as the music played.
Throughout the evening there were catered hors dÂ’oeurves and other delicacies in abundance to kill any girlish
figure but too tempting to resist. The energetic and amazing Suzanne Adams fluttered continually about the room
with her camera catching all the action. Suzanne also hosted the auctions and raffles keeping excitement in the
air.
The night continued with foods and desserts, dancing and socializing, and sharing pride in our community. Having
a long way to go in the new millennium we can look back with pride and empowerment at the giant steps made in
the previous.
Ingersoll Gender Center was founded in 1977and supports transgendered people towards growth and well being.
Ingersoll provides support, education advocacy, and information resources for people interested in gender
identity issues and for service providers, employers, families, and friends in order to promote understanding,
awareness and acceptance of gender diversity.
| INGERSOLL GENDER CENTER HOLIDAY PARTY December 4, 1999 |
| Ingersoll Gender Center's "Dress to the 99's" by Linda A. Simpson As published in the Seattle Gay News: December 31, 1999 |
| "Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that has." - Margaret Meade |
| Linda A. Simpson and Dr. Anne Lawrence |
| Suzanne Adams |
