Chicago is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a rich history reflected in its cultural landmarks and gathering spaces. Each spot tells a story of resilience, activism, and pride. The city’s LGBTQ+ destinations honor the past while creating welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Outdoor Legacy Museum
Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, also known as Boystown, features the Legacy Walk, an outdoor LGBTQ+ history exhibit. This half-mile stretch along North Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street, is marked by 25-foot-tall rainbow pylons. Each pylon displays bronze plaques honoring LGBTQ+ individuals who have made significant contributions to history and culture.
Established in 2012, the Legacy Walk has grown annually, with new dedications added every October 11th to coincide with National Coming Out Day. By 2018, it reached its capacity of 40 bronze markers, making it the world’s largest collection of detailed bronze biographical memorials. In 2019, the Legacy Walk was designated a Historic Landmark, underscoring its cultural significance.
Notable figures honored include social reformer Jane Addams, civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, mathematician Alan Turing, and artist Frida Kahlo. Each plaque provides insights into their lives and achievements, offering visitors an educational experience. Guided tours are available for those seeking a deeper understanding of these individuals’ legacies.
Gerber-Hart Library Archives
The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, established in 1981, serves as a vital repository of LGBTQ+ history in Chicago and the Midwest. Located at 6500 North Clark Street in the Rogers Park neighborhood, it houses an extensive collection of over 14,000 volumes and 800 periodical titles, making it one of the largest LGBTQ+ libraries in the United States.
The library’s mission is to preserve and make accessible the culture and history of LGBTQ+ communities, with a particular focus on Chicago and the Midwest. Its archival collections include personal papers, organizational records, and various media that document the rich narratives of these communities.
Beyond its extensive collections, Gerber/Hart serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, readings, and events that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and contributions. These programs aim to educate and engage both the LGBTQ+ community and the general public.
The library is named in honor of two pioneering figures: Henry Gerber, who founded the first U.S. gay rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, in 1924, and Pearl M. Hart, a Chicago attorney renowned for defending the rights of immigrants, children, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Center on Halsted
Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ+ community center. Established in 1973 as Gay Horizons, it evolved into Horizons Community Services before becoming Center on Halsted in 2003. In 2007, the center opened its current 175,000-square-foot, eco-friendly building at 3656 North Halsted Street.
The center offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at advancing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. These include mental health counseling, HIV testing, and legal assistance. The center also hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and recreational activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
For young people, Center on Halsted provides leadership training, professional development, and crisis intervention services. Seniors can participate in cultural outings, workshops, and social gatherings, with over 8,300 meals provided annually. The center also features a gymnasium used by more than 300 community members weekly for activities like basketball, volleyball, and yoga.
Women & Children First
Women & Children First is an independent bookstore located at 5233 North Clark Street in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Founded in 1979 by Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon, it began as a feminist bookstore and has grown to become one of the largest feminist bookstores in the United States. The store specializes in books by and about women, children’s literature, and LGBTQ+ titles.
The bookstore offers a curated selection of approximately 30,000 books, focusing on diversity and inclusivity. Their collection includes feminist literature, works related to various political and progressive movements, and a robust selection of LGBTQ+ literature. Children’s books account for about 20% of their sales, with other popular categories including cookbooks, art books, education, and parenting.
Women & Children First is known for hosting author readings, signings, and community events. Notable speakers have included figures like Gloria Steinem, Margaret Atwood, and Alice Walker. The store also organizes events for children, such as drag queen story times, and offers workshops, support groups, and social activities for local community groups.
After decades of leadership, the original owners sold the bookstore in 2014 to two staff members, Lynn Mooney and Sarah Hollenbeck. A year later, the store underwent renovations to create additional event space, enhancing its role as a community hub. In 2019, Women & Children First celebrated its 40th anniversary with a block party and a panel featuring past and present owners, highlighting its enduring presence in Chicago’s literary and feminist communities.
Rainbow Beach – also known as Kathy Osterman Beach
Kathy Osterman Beach, affectionately known as Hollywood Beach, is a beloved spot in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Located at 5800 North Lake Shore Drive, this beach has become a cherished gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community.
The beach is named after Kathy Osterman, a Chicago politician who championed gay rights in the 1980s. Her advocacy led to the passage of the city’s human rights ordinance in 1988. In recognition of her contributions, the beach was renamed in her honor.
Visitors to Hollywood Beach can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and socializing in a welcoming environment. The southern end of the beach, marked by a pier painted as a pride flag, is particularly popular among LGBTQ+ visitors.
Conclusion
Chicago’s LGBTQ+ spaces are a testament to resilience, progress, and pride. They bring people together to learn, connect, and celebrate a community that has helped shape the city. As they continue to grow and evolve, they keep the stories of the past alive while creating a more inclusive future.
This was a guest post from Queer in Chicago, where we cover travel items of interest to those who live in Chicago or plan to visit with a queer twist.