Gay district chicago

Some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for gay people boast sprawling green spaces, lakefront access, a thriving food and drink culture and a welcoming environment. It is a beautiful Midwestern city, with super friendly people, lots to keep you busy and an incredibly diverse and thriving gay scene.

It starts to get busy from midnight onwards and you can expect DJs and the occasional drag show.

SIDETRACK - Updated August 2025 - 491 ...

We felt very safe, at ease, and welcome in Chicago as a gay couple. Within hours of returning to power Monday, United States President Donald Trump issued a stunningly broad executive order that seeks to dismantle crucial protections for. In our Gay Chicago Guide, we will cover the gay neighbourhoods of Chicago, gay bars, Gay Pride Fest as well as what activities we did, where we stayed and ate so you will have all the information you need to plan your own visit!

Some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for gay people boast sprawling green spaces, lakefront access, a thriving food and drink culture and a welcoming environment. It’s a vibrant and welcoming community that’s perfect for exploring and one that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through its businesses, events, and people. Check out some of the gay bars in Northalsted.

Sidetrack Chicago -

This is a video and dance bar and plays a lot of pop. We never felt like we needed to look over our shoulder, fear holding hands or showing affection: just as its should be! The narrow room and dance floor become crowded on weekends with DJs playing Friday and Saturday. Again, this felt like a small gay utopia within the big city. Chicago hosts gay-oriented events and festivals and has an unbelievable nightlife geared toward LGBTQ culture.

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. When you are looking into gay Chicago, Northalsted will and should be, right at the top of your list. Northalsted was the first officially recognised gay community in the US. It should come as no surprise that Northalsted is the place to go for gay bars and clubs during the evening, but also for drinks and dinner during the day.

Check reviews, photos, and more on Conclusion Northalsted – Chicago’s gay district – is an iconic neighborhood that symbolizes Chicago’s inclusivity and diversity. Chicago has two very distinct gay neighbourhoodsNorthalsted previous known as Boystown and Andersonville affectionately known as MANdersonville. Check reviews, photos, and more on Northalsted – Chicago’s gay district – is an iconic neighborhood that symbolizes Chicago’s inclusivity and diversity.

On February 15, Muhsin Hendricks, an openly gay imam, Islamic scholar and LGBT rights activist was shot and killed in Gqeberha, South Africa as he was leaving to .

Boystown Chicago Traveler

Charlies has a wild west vibe with cowboys dancing to country and western music. World ReportHuman Rights Watch’s 34th annual review of human rights practices and trends around the globe, reviews developments in more than countries. Chicago impressed us on so many levels. Human Rights Watch works for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peoples' rights, and with activists representing a multiplicity of identities and issues.

Discover which Chicago LGBTQ neighborhoods offer the most friendly establishments, nightlife, and events in the city. It’s known for its welcoming vibe, nonstop nightlife, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and excellent dining options. Find the best gay bars, dance clubs, gay-rated hotels, gay saunas and gay cruise clubs in Chicago. We went to Sidetrack twice during our trip and loved it! The state even has an LGBT Chamber of Commerce to help a business become certified as a diverse supplier or find a supplier.

You can find gay bars all across Chicago but the majority are found in Northalsted and Andersonville. The state even has an LGBT Chamber of Commerce to help a business become certified as a diverse supplier or find a. Find the best gay bars, dance clubs, gay-rated hotels, gay saunas and gay cruise clubs in Chicago.

Hungary deepened its repression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people on March 18 as the parliament passed a draconian law that will outlaw Pride. Boystown (now Northalsted) in Chicago's East Lakeview is one of the Midwest’s largest LGBT communities, offering vibrant dining, nightlife, and more.

Goodbye Gayborhood?

The crowd is mixed with men and women of all ages. Discover which Chicago LGBTQ neighborhoods offer the most friendly establishments, nightlife, and events in the city. It’s a vibrant and welcoming community that’s perfect for exploring and one that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through its businesses, events, and people. Andersonville is the second major gay neighbourhood in Chicago and has it own unique charm which is quite different to Northalsted.

Chicago Gay Neighborhood Guide ...

However, come 1am on a weekend this turns into a go-go boy after hours dance club! It has plenty of rooms to explore depending whether you want to chill, chat, or dance the night away! It really feels like a little gay utopia where things have been turned on their head and its homonormative here not heteronormative! Our first visit was over the Chicago Pride Fest weekend and was hosted by Choose Chicago so we really got to see just how gay Chicago can be!

For us we were mainly on the dance floor which has a huge screen playing music videos to go alongside the music.