Chicago gay city
The ultimate LGBTQ+ neighborhood guide to Chicago
No matter how you identify, you’ll perceive right at dwelling in Chicago. Our city is famous for embracing diversity and inclusion, from our world-famous Movement celebrations to establishing the country’s first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood. And while the whole city exudes a welcoming vibe, there are a couple of neighborhoods and places you shouldn’t miss.
LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Chicago
Make a beeline for Northalsted
Northalsted, also known as Boystown, is the oldest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the territory. The area’s arrogant history is on display with the Legacy Walk, which commemorates notable Queer heroes and historic events. The saunter is a superb way to tour the community — make sure to stop into the many great eateries, friendly bars, vintage stores, and one-of-a-kind boutiques along the way.
Come June, you’ll find Northalsted at the heart of the city’s annual Pride Month celebrations, which include two days of harmony, drag shows, dancing, and more at Chicago Pride Fest, and culminates with the famed Chicago Pride Parade, a spectacular procession held on the last Sunday of June.
A couple of the many s
Chicago Gay City Guide: A Midwestern Jewel for the LGBTQ Community
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is an industrious metropolis that’s an invigorating place for the LGBTQ community. An international hub of culture, commerce, and creativity, the urban area provides a multitude of gay resources to make every new resident touch at home.
A Concise 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 1883 and in 1983, Chicago saw its first black mayor. In 2019, for the first second 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 312
- The city is 227.63 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 States (approx. 2,705,994 people).
- Spray decorate was invented in Chicago.
- Chi
Northalsted (Boystown)
Why we love it
Northalsted (also known as Boystown) is one of the most country’s inclusive Queer communities and the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the United States. It’s known for its welcoming vibe, nonstop nightlife, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and outstanding dining options. It’s also the center of some of Chicago’s most accepted events and festivals.
Explore prefer a local
Insider tips
Stroll the award-winning Legacy Walk, the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ history museum. Located on Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Grace Road, the Legacy Walk commemorates LGBTQ+ heroes and historical events with colorful monuments.
Along the way, stop into funky boutiques, cool vintage clothing stores, and independent shops that capture the casual, funky spirit of the neighborhood — CRAM Fashion, Unabridged Bookstore, Ragstock, and Reckless Records are just a few.
Enjoy a meal at one of the many charming neighborhood restaurants: Drew’s on Halsted has American bistro fare and a popular patio, The Chicago Diner has been serving vegetarian cuisine since 1983, Ann Sather is a cozy Swedish brunch
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.com)
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 LGBTQ community center that welcomes over 1000 people per time. Northalsted hosts a n