Chicago is known for its diverse communities and inclusive environment which have made it an ideal destination for the LGBTQ+ community. Within the city, there are several neighborhoods that cater to the LGBTQ+ community, but the most prominent and well known is Northalsted. Also known as Boystown, this neighborhood has been a significant LGBTQ+ hub for over half a century. In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at Northalsted – Chicago’s gay district.
The History of Northalsted
Northalsted became known as the epicenter of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene back in the 1960s. The area was home to several gay bars, clubs, and restaurants and became a popular location for the community to gather for social events and meetings. However, in the 1970s, the LGBTQ+ community was facing increased scrutiny and discrimination, often leading to violent confrontations between the police and the community. Northalsted became a safe space for members of the community and continued to grow in popularity.
In 1979, Northalsted became the first legally recognized gay neighborhood in the United States. This recognition helped to secure the future of Northalsted and the LGBTQ+ community, offering them protection against discrimination and a sense of belonging in the city. Since then, Northalsted has continued to evolve and redefine itself as a welcoming community for all.
What to Expect in Northalsted
Northalsted offers a vibrant and diverse environment that’s perfect for people of all ages and backgrounds. The neighborhood is home to over 60 LGBTQ+ businesses, including nightclubs, bars, boutiques, and restaurants. One thing that sets Northalsted apart from other neighborhoods is its focus on community involvement. The Northalsted Business Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
In the summer months, Northalsted comes alive with the annual Chicago Pride Parade. The parade draws over one million spectators and is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its diversity. Additionally, Northalsted hosts an array of other events throughout the year, from street fairs and concerts to art shows and markets.
Visitors can expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in Northalsted that’s perfect for exploring. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out with friends or a relaxed day of shopping and dining, Northalsted has something for everyone.
Conclusion
Northalsted – Chicago’s gay district – is an iconic neighborhood that symbolizes Chicago’s inclusivity and diversity. 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. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Northalsted is a must-see destination in Chicago.
FAQ
Is Boystown Chicago a safe area?
Boystown, a Chicago neighborhood located in the Lakeview community area, is often referred to as Chicago’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood. But, one question that many people often ask is whether or not it is a safe area to live or visit. Fortunately, the answer is generally yes.
According to crime statistics, Boystown is a relatively safe area to live or visit. The crime rate in Boystown is lower than the Chicago average, and even better, it’s three times better than the national average. The number of crimes has been steadily decreasing in the last few years with a 23 percent drop in crime rate. This decrease in crime rate is due to the community’s efforts to make the neighborhood a safe place, with a strong police presence, neighborhood watch programs, and community involvement.
Boystown’s safety is not just limited to the fewer crimes reported; the area also has an excellent transportation system, consisting of buses, trains, and bike-sharing programs, making it a breeze to navigate. Moreover, the neighborhood has vibrant streets, with friendly people, great restaurants, historic buildings, and a thriving nightlife. Boystown is popularly known for its annual pride parade, which attracts thousands of people from around the world. Similarly, the neighborhood is home to several LGBTQ+ landmarks like the Legacy Walk and the Center on Halsted.
Though Boystown is a safe area, it’s always essential to take precautions anywhere you go, such as not leaving your belongings unattended or traveling alone at night. Like any other community, Boystown is not immune to crime, and it’s essential to be cautious even while enjoying the neighborhood’s comforts. However, Boystown’s proactive efforts to keep the area safe make it a great place to live and visit, and it is undeniably one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with new developments planned for the area.
Where to meet gays in Chicago?
Chicago is widely known for its flourishing LGBTQ community and vibrant gay culture. One of the main gay hubs in the city is Boystown, which is a popular neighborhood for LGBTQ residents and visitors alike. Boystown is located in the Lakeview neighborhood and is centered around two main streets – Halsted and Broadway. Both streets are packed with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants, making Boystown a fantastic place for both daytime and nightlife activities.
If you’re looking to meet new people and make connections, Boystown is undoubtedly a great place to start. The neighborhood has a wide range of LGBTQ-friendly places to choose from, each with its own unique vibe and scene. You’ll find places like Sidetrack, which is one of the largest gay bars in the world and features multiple levels, video screens, and a packed dance floor. Another popular spot is Roscoe’s Tavern, which boasts a lively dance floor, weekly drag shows, and multiple bars.
Apart from Boystown, Andersonville is another great neighborhood for LGBTQ individuals. Andersonville is located on the north side of the city and has a more laid-back and low-key vibe as compared to Boystown. Even so, you’ll still find a plethora of gay-owned and gay-friendly bars and restaurants that are perfect for meeting new friends or going on a fun date.
Some popular spots in Andersonville include Hamburger Mary’s, a lively restaurant and bar that features drag queen bingo and karaoke nights, and Marty’s Martini Bar, which offers an intimate setting with an extensive martini menu and outdoor patio.
In addition to bars and clubs, Chicago is also home to various events and festivals that cater to the LGBTQ community. These events are a great way to meet people and expand your social circle. One of the city’s biggest and most popular events is the Chicago Pride Parade, which takes place every June and draws tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world.
Chicago is a welcoming and vibrant city that boasts a strong and flourishing LGBTQ community. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, go on a date, or simply have a good time, Boystown and Andersonville are two fantastic neighborhoods to explore and connect with others in the LGBTQ scene.
What Chicago suburb is gay friendly?
When it comes to the LGBT community in Chicago, the neighborhood that immediately comes to mind is Boystown. Located on the north side of the city, Boystown is widely known as the epicenter of Chicago’s gay community. The neighborhood has a variety of gay bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as the annual Chicago Pride Parade and other LGBT-friendly events throughout the year.
However, Boystown isn’t the only gay-friendly area in Chicago. In fact, LGBT people have been living throughout the city for decades. Aside from Boystown, many LGBT individuals also reside in the suburbs.
One of the most gay-friendly suburbs in the Chicago area is Evanston. Located just north of Chicago, Evanston has long been a progressive and welcoming community. It has a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants, shops, and theaters. The suburb also has a number of LGBT-owned businesses and advocates.
Oak Park, located west of Chicago, is another gay-friendly suburb. It has a diverse population and has been known for progressive politics for decades. The village has also been recognized as one of the “Top 20 most LGBT-friendly suburbs” in the country by the Advocate magazine.
Similarly, the suburb of Forest Park, located near Oak Park, is also an LGBT-friendly area with a variety of gay-owned businesses in the downtown area. Additionally, the city of Chicago Heights, located south of Chicago, is home to one of the oldest LGBT community centers in the country.
While Boystown is the most well-known and established gay neighborhood in Chicago, there are several other suburbs that are welcoming and safe for LGBT individuals to live in.