Gay cities chicago

Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is an industrious metropolis that’s an thrilling place for the LGBTQ community. An international hub of culture, commerce, and creativity, the city provides a multitude of homosexual resources to make every new resident feel at home.

A Brief History of the Windy City

Like many Midwestern regions, the Native Americans were responsible for cultivating a lot of the land. The actual term “Chicago” is roughly translated from a Native American word that means “wild onion,” something which grows abundantly to this day.

The city was born in and in , Chicago saw its first black mayor. In , for the first age in history, all three city-wide elective offices were held by women. Chicago is a forward-thinking and progressive town that has a lot to present LGBTQ residents.

Quick Stats About the

• The city is square miles.
• Chicago has both a commuter rail and rapid transit system. (Metra and cta).
• Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United
  

  Chicago impressed us on so many levels. It is a beautiful Midwestern capital, with super friendly people, lots to keep you busy and an incredibly diverse and thriving same-sex attracted scene.

  Gay Chicago has a lot to offer and from our experience, the whole city appears to embrace and support its LGBTQ+ community.

  We felt very safe, at ease, and welcome in Chicago as a gay couple. We never felt like we needed to look over our shoulder, fear holding hands or showing affection: just as its should be!

  Our first visit was over the Chicago Event Fest weekend and was hosted by Choose Chicago so we really got to see just how gay Chicago can be!

  In our Gay Chicago Instruction, we will cover the gay neighbourhoods of Chicago, gay bars, Gay Celebration Fest as well as what activities we did, where we stayed and ate so you will have all the facts you need to strategy your own visit!

  Let’s acquire started!

  Gay Neighbourhoods in Chicago

  Chicago has two very unique gay neighbourhoods, Northalsted (previous known as Boystown) and Andersonville (affectionately known as MANdersonville).

  Northalsted (aka B

  The 34 best Gay bars in Chicago

  Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack

  Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but great lgbtq+ bars are all over the city.

  Chicago has always been a trailblazing municipality when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ people. One of the first American LGBT rights organizations, the Society for Human Rights, was founded in Chicago in , more than 40 years before Stonewall. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also recognizable as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major town in

  These days, while a evening out on Northalsted is still a joyful blur of boozy slushies and death drops, queer nightlife in Chicago is expansive, creative and thriving all over the city. From Rogers Park to South Shore, from James Beard-nominated cocktail bars to beloved, homey dives, there's a queer block to fit your vibe. Oh, and don't forget about drag brunch. You'll need it after a night out on the town.

  RECOMMENDED: Drink at the best bars in Chicago

  Been there, done that? Think again, m

  Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood

  The first officially recognized gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly accepted nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood known as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, male lover, bisexual and transgender community.

  Northalsted, the first official gay neighborhood in the country (credit: )

  Northalsted is situated just southeast of Wrigleyville in Lakeview. The area is bordered by Broadway Ave. on the east and Halsted St. on the west, Grace St. to the north and Belmont Ave. to the south.

   

  The two main (north-south) avenues of Halsted St. and Broadway dominate the heart of this commercial and entertainment district. Broadway primarily offers a variety of themed shops and restaurants stretching throughout the neighborhood while Halsted caters to a lively nightlife with more than 30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

   

  The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest