Gay area of chicago
The ultimate LGBTQ+ neighborhood guide to Chicago
No matter how you identify, you’ll notice right at house in Chicago. Our city is recognizable for embracing diversity and inclusion, from our world-famous Event 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 region. The area’s pleased history is on display with the Legacy Walk, which commemorates notable Homosexual heroes and historic events. The stride is a wonderful way to tour the community — make sure to stop into the many great eateries, friendly bars, vintage stores, and distinct 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 melody, 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
Northalsted (Boystown)
Why we love it
Northalsted (also known as Boystown) is one of the most country’s inclusive LGBTQ+ communities and the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the United States. It’s established for its welcoming vibe, nonstop nightlife, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and marvelous dining options. It’s also the center of some of Chicago’s most popular events and festivals.
Explore like 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 Gay heroes and historical events with colorful monuments.
Along the way, end 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
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 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 1883 and in 1983, Chicago saw its first black mayor. In 2019, for the first time 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 offer LGBTQ residents.
Quick Stats About the 312
- The urban area 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 Merged States (approx. 2,705,994 people).
- Spray paint was invented in Chicago.
- Chi
Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood
The first officially commended gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly accepted nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood recognizable as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, gay, multi-attracted and transgender community.
Northalsted, the first official homosexual 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 business 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 diverse gay and woman loving woman bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ people center that welcomes over 1000 people per day. Northalsted hosts a n