About LGBTQ+ Chicago
Chicago's historic gay district is Northalsted, long known as Boystown, running along North Halsted Street in Lakeview and recognized as one of the first officially designated gay neighborhoods in the United States. It's home to landmark bars, summer street festivals like Northalsted Market Days, and the rainbow pylons that line the strip. To the north, Andersonville offers a more laid-back, lesbian-leaning alternative. Chicago Pride caps off June with a major parade. Between the two neighborhoods, the city covers everything from high-energy dance clubs to quiet neighborhood taverns.