Chicago has long been recognized for its vibrant and rich queer history, showcasing a legacy that many often overlook in favor of coastal cities like New York and San Francisco.
As the site of the first official ‘gaybourhood’ known as Northalsted, historically referred to as Boystown, the city proudly holds the distinction of hosting the first Pride March in the United States on June 27, 1970, one day prior to the Christopher Street Liberation March in New York City.
Victor, a local expert on Chicago’s queer culture, highlights, “Everybody always talks about New York or San Francisco, whereas Chicago has always been, in some respects, a flyover city. But because people in Chicago have historically been overlooked, they’ve developed their own attitude towards getting things done.”
This spirit of resilience is embodied in a remarkable new installation known as The Walk, which celebrates 25 years of development and signifies the city’s dedication to honoring its LGBTQ+ community.
Once marked only by steel pylons on busy North Halsted Street, The Walk has transformed into a monument adorned with 20 rainbow pillars. Each pillar commemorates influential queer individuals, spanning a range of fields such as politics, medicine, sports, and entertainment.
Accompanying bronze portraits and plaques narrate each person’s story while recognizing the contributions of the sponsors who have helped realize this project.
As Victor and I stroll down North Halsted, the pavement feels like it’s been kissed by the Chicago sun, with temperatures soaring to 38°C.
The summer’s heat is amplified by the bustling preparations for the city’s pride festivals, a quintessential aspect of Chicago summers characterized by vibrant road repairs and lively street parades.
Among the highlights of summer in Chicago is Pride Fest, which takes place in early June, followed by the main Chicago Pride Parade. This annual event attracts over a million participants, celebrating diversity and inclusion.
In August, the grand finale of the summer’s LGBTQ+ festivities arrives with Market Days, the largest street festival in the Midwest. The event transforms Northalsted into a lively hub with over 250 exhibitors and performances by international stars such as Gloria Gaynor and The Village People.
However, Chicago is not solely defined by its summer celebrations. The city has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. history, evidenced by its initiatives in food regulations and social welfare.
This historical significance is mirrored in the city’s LGBTQ+ landmarks, including dedicated archives and monuments that pay homage to activists and artists within the queer community.
An exemplary establishment is the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, a treasure trove for those keen to explore Chicago’s queer history.
Visitors can dive into an extensive collection comprising 2,000 LGBTQ+ books and view a permanent exhibit featuring newspaper clippings that chronicle critical milestones such as the first discrimination case won in court.
Life-size photographs commemorating the first lesbian wedding celebrated at City Hall also grace the library, inviting patrons to engage with the past.
Another poignant site is Chicago’s AIDS Garden, a serene refuge within sprawling Lincoln Park.
As I transition from the sounds of Lake Michigan to the peaceful atmosphere of the garden, the experience feels less like a visit to a park and more akin to a spiritual pilgrimage.
By scanning QR codes mounted on trees, I engage with personal narratives of Chicagoans who battled the disease between the 1980s and 2000s.
These stories, recounted in the voices of those who lived them, reverberate through the wind and leaves, effectively transforming the garden into an outdoor memorial.
In a gesture of remembrance, I tie a rainbow ribbon around one of the trees, honoring the legacy of those whose lives continue to inspire and uplift the community, even during pride parades worldwide.
While Northalsted serves as a vibrant party spot, Andersonville is recognized as the home for many queer residents.
Celebrated as the “shop local” capital of the city, approximately 90% of businesses in Andersonville are independently owned, with a substantial number being LGBTQ+-run.
From vinyl shops like Reckless Records to boutiques like Cowboys and Astronauts, this neighborhood fuels a diverse community, further enriched by the Andersonville Galleria showcasing local artisans.
The impact of Chicago’s advocacy groups is evident in stories of transformative change.
I spoke with Iggy Ladden, founder and director of the Chicago Therapy Collective (CTC), about their journey towards activism.
Ladden shared a personal anecdote about being barred from their baby’s birth certificate due to their non-binary identity, reflecting on how, at the time, they didn’t recognize this as discrimination.
Fueled by this experience, they had the opportunity to share their story with Chicago’s governor at a charity event, leading to significant legislative progress with the passage of the Equality for Every Family bill.
This landmark legislation updates Illinois’ parentage, adoption, and surrogacy laws, removing barriers to ensure that queer people face no discrimination.
During my visit, I also had the chance to hear from Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, as he articulated his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights at a time when national discourse is fraught with challenges for the queer community.
I sensed that such conversations are common in this city, demonstrating a culture of activism and support that pervades Chicago.
Iggy’s experience is but one of many examples that reflect how the ‘City of Broad Shoulders’ is once again turning words into actions for its diverse communities.
For those looking to explore Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene, recommendations from locals abound.
After a busy day of discoveries, a cozy, unpretentious diner, Little Goat, serves as an excellent choice for any meal of the day, known especially for its delectable brunch offerings.
Don’t miss the seasonal specials, and be sure to save room for dessert.
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, Nobody’s Darling in Andersonville is a stylish bar that feels like a welcoming community gathering spot, helmed by wives Angela Barnes and Renauda Riddle.
Their vision since inception has been to create a joyful space for patrons to socialize and enjoy meticulously crafted cocktails.
For a romantic outing, Drew’s on Halsted offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience, featuring hearty American-European dishes from mac ‘n’ cheese to filet mignon.
Reservations for a window seat are recommended to soak in the vibrant nightlife of Northalsted.
When seeking casual yet exceptional dining, Marina’s Bistro, a hidden gem in Uptown Chicago named after the owner’s mother, offers a unique take on Puerto Rican cuisine, utilizing family recipes for a delightful culinary experience.
Home to Chicago’s longest-running drag brunch, Kit Kat Lounge serves up entertaining performances alongside delicious food.
Whether it’s pancakes at brunch or gala bingo in the evening, the talent of the performers guarantees a memorable and lively experience.
Traveling to Chicago is convenient, with United Airlines, American Airlines, and British Airways offering direct daily flights from London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare.
The flight time is approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes.
For those preferring to go through pre-approval in Dublin, both Aer Lingus and American Airlines provide direct flights to Chicago O’Hare, taking about 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Regarding accommodation, visitors can enjoy the comforts of a hotel while experiencing the freedom of an apartment by booking the boutique Guesthouse Hotel in Andersonville, with rates starting from $500/£370 per night.
For those wanting to stay in downtown Chicago, rooms are available at Virgin Hotels starting at $270/£200.
Budget-conscious travelers can consider the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel, which features all-gender dorms starting as low as $40/£30 per night and is highly rated by LGBTQ+ solo travelers.
This rich tapestry of history, advocacy, and community pride truly solidifies Chicago’s status as a unique and essential destination for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike.
image source from：inkl
