5 Must See Queer Attractions in Chicago -

Pride is all about having spaces and places that let you feel authentically you. It is about holding your head high and letting yourself soar. Thankfully, in 2024, quite a few places exist in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. Chicago is home to some of the most unique and beautiful queer attractions in the world. Fun fact: it is also home to Henry Gerber, the founder of the first LGBTQ+ organization. Without further ado, these are five must-see queer attractions in Chicago.

Boystown Legacy Walk Outdoor Museum

First, let us introduce you to Chicago’s vibrant gayborhood: North Halsted (also known as Boystown). Situated on the north side of Chicago, North Halsted is lively with rich LGBTQ+ history and culture. Strolling down North Halsted Street, you’ll see queer-owned businesses, queer bars, pride flags and delicious eateries.

North Halsted is renowned for events like the Pride Parade and Market Days, drawing visitors worldwide. While predominantly gay men, it’s a beautiful place for everyone to visit and live. The Legacy Walk features 35 rainbow memorial markers celebrating notable lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender heroes. These markers, fixed to 25-foot rainbow monuments, bring the city’s rich LGBTQ+ heritage to life in historic Boystown.

Gerbert Hart Library

Considering its Pride month, we thought, why not bring to the spotlight a local library dedicated to preserving queer history. Named after gay rights activists Henry Gerber and Pearl Hart, it’s the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ circulating library, boasting over 14,000 volumes, 800 periodicals, and 100 archival collections.

Located in Rogers Park, the Gerber Hart Library offers free access to LGBTQ+ books and preserves personal artifacts, from drag costumes to love letters, in its archives—additionally, the nonprofit hosts numerous lectures, workshops, exhibits, and other events each year.

Rainbow Beach, aka Kathy Osterman Beach

Osterman Beach is a popular getaway in northern Chicago, located on the north tip of Lincoln Park near Edgewater. The park features a new silver LEED-certified beach house inspired by turn-of-the-century Chicago Park District buildings and includes a comfort station.

There is also a natural area for migratory birds. This beach offers perks like on-site food and Wi-Fi. As a popular LGBTQ+ hangout spot, many of the friendly visitors are gay. It’s perfect for catching rays, lounging on the sand and having a picnic.

Women & Children First (Bookstore)

First, this bookstore is in Andersonville; if you are familiar with the place, you’d agree that it is a sweet gem. It is famous for its Swedish roots, diverse LGBTQ+ community, and eclectic independent businesses. Women & Children First embodies Andersonville’s “shop local” ethos and progressive inclusivity.

This Chicago institution bookstore offers over 30,000 books by and about women. They also host exciting public events, including book launches, poetry readings, and author conversations.

Dorothy’s Downstairs

Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, Dorothy is a stylish, 70s-inspired subterranean lesbian cocktail lounge for every friend of Dorothy. Renowned for creative cocktails, outstanding event programming, and a cozy atmosphere – it’s the perfect place to be yourself.

We recommend exploring more LGBTQ+ spaces while you’re in the big city. There are tons of queer bars and sober spaces, gay restaurants, businesses and lesbian clubs waiting just for you.