Lgbtq community in chicago
LGBTQIA+ History in Chicago
Out at CHM began in , when members of LGBTQIA+ communities approached CHM about having an ongoing program about their history in a mainstream institution. The original goals were to: broaden CHM’s audience, foster new historical scholarship on Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ communities, and address gaps in communities’ members’ knowledge about the evolution of Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ residents.
The scope of the program changed over the years and eight years after its founding had enough support for an exhibition at the Museum titled Out in Chicago: LGBT History at the Crossroads. The exhibition was open from May 21, , to March 26,
Since then, Out at CHM has continued at the Museum through a series of programming on LGBTQIA+ topics, often presented in partnership with local organizations, scholars, activists, and community members.
Explore the resources below to learn more about LGBTQIA+ history in Chicago and CHM&#;s continued commitment to the community.
Thing Magazine
Thing magazine was founded as a platform for black LGBTQ+ life. As such, i
The ultimate LGBTQ+ neighborhood guide to Chicago
No matter how you identify, you’ll undergo right at home in Chicago. Our city is known for embracing diversity and inclusion, from our world-famous Pride celebrations to establishing the country&#;s first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood. And while the whole capital 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 country. The area&#;s proud history is on display with the Legacy Walk, which commemorates notable LGBTQ+ heroes and historic events. The walk is a great way to tour the community — make sure to prevent into the many wonderful eateries, friendly bars, vintage stores, and unique 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 music, drag shows, dancing, and more at Chicago Pride Fest, and culminates with the famed Chicago Pride Parade, a spe
Andersonville, a Neighborhood for Everyone
Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, known for its Swedish roots, historic architecture, and bustling urban main street, has one of the city's largest gay and lesbian communities, second only to Boystown.
The welcoming North Side neighborhood stretches from Foster Ave. to the south, Victoria St. to the north, Ravenswood Ave. to the west and Magnolia Ave. to the east.
Recognized as the “shop local capital of Chicago”, Andersonville’s commercial district and main shopping street, Clark St., features primarily independent, locally-owned boutiques and specialty stores.
In addition, the area features a number of gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and some of Chicago’s best restaurants.
Andersonville hosts Midsommarfest, one of Chicago’s most legendary street festivals, in early June. The annual event kicks off the summer neighborhood street festival season.
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is committed to equality, making Andersonville a ne
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, gay, 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