Gay area in chicago

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

A Little 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 occasion 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 provide 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 color was invented in Chicago.
• Chi

  LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and more

  Chicago’s nightlife is a lot appreciate the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Our gay and lesbian bars have a small bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and drag shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the metropolis. And each comes with their own unique history and vibe.

  Check out some of the foremost gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s queer nightlife scene.

  Jeffery Pub

  One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned same-sex attracted bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.

  Big Chicks

  This lively and colorful see is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including big names like Diane Arbus. But don’t think for a second that makes the pla

  Andersonville, a Neighborhood for Everyone

  Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, established for its Swedish roots, historic architecture, and bustling urban main street, has one of the city's largest lgbtq+ 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 road, Clark St., features primarily independent, locally-owned boutiques and specialty stores. 

   

  In addition, the area features a number of queer and lesbian bars, nightclubs and some of Chicago’s top restaurants. 

   

  Andersonville hosts Midsommarfest, one of Chicago’s most legendary avenue festivals, in prior June. The annual event kicks off the summer neighborhood street festival season.

   

  The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is involved to equality, making Andersonville a neighborhood for everyone. 

   

  Explore Chicago’s Andersonville, a neighborhood for ev
  

  Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood

  The first officially recognized gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly standard nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood famous as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, gay, pansexual 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 take charge 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 day. Northalsted hosts a n