Focuses on research and advocacy to address challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including housing and healthcare.
111 S Michigan Ave
Explore LGBTQ+-themed tours that highlight queer narratives in art history. The Art Institute of Chicago boasts a collection of more than 300,000 works, including queer artists such as Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Beauford Delaney, and John Singer Sargent. Its permanent home was built in 1893, with a modern wing, designed by Renzo Piano, completed in 2009.
1735 N Ashland Ave | (773) 784-9000
Housing and support for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, including crisis response services.
2930 S Michigan Ave | (312) 291-9499
Health and wellness advocacy for Black gay, bisexual, and queer men.
(773) 296-0541
A celebrated LGBTQ+ performing arts organization showcasing music and theatrical productions.
5800 N DuSable Lake Shore Drive | Edgewater
Osterman Beach, commonly referred to as Hollywood Beach, is officially named after Kathy Osterman, the Chicago politician who fought for gay rights in the 1980s. The sandy beach along Lake Michigan attracts a diverse group. The southernmost portion of the beach is marked by pier painted as a pride flag.
6500 N Clark St 2nd Fl | Rogers Park
The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, founded in 1981, is the largest circulating library of gay and lesbian titles in the Midwestern United States. Located in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, it houses over 14,000 volumes, 800 periodical titles, and 100 archival collections.
Lakefront at Belmont Ave | Lakeview
AIDS Garden Chicago is the city’s first public monument to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic, and to honor those who continue to fight against the disease today. The garden’s centerpiece is the massive Keith Haring statue “Self-Portrait.” Around the garden, QR codes lead visitors to videos from survivors, activists, doctors, and more.
6418 N Greenview Ave | Rogers Park
Take a self-guided tour through eight fascinating exhibition galleries, including the Dungeon, featuring S&M and bondage equipment, a leather bar diorama, a leather history timeline, a guest artist gallery, and 20 murals by the celebrated erotic artist Etienne. The museum is open to patrons 18 years of age and over.
800 S Halsted | Little Italy
A National Historic Landmark, the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum remains dedicated to peace advocacy and social justice, while also featuring an impressive display of furniture, photographs, and artwork from the period. Explore with a guided or self-guided tour.
3245 – 3703 N Halsted | Northalsted
The Legacy Walk features 35 memorial markers, which are fixed to 25-foot rainbow pylons in Chicago’s historic Northalsted (also known as Boystown) neighborhood. The markers commemorate the life and work of notable LGBTQ heros.
203 N Wabash | Loop
(312) 940-4400
Located in the famous Chicago Loop, you will never be far from the action at this LGBTQ-friendly and supportive destination.
4416 N Clark | Uptown
(773) 728-3397
LGBTQ-friendly American grill and bar featuring high-energy drag shows and theme nights, plus a menu of queen-themed cocktails.
5404 N Clark | Andersonville
(773) 271-9382
A source for fashionable finds, home décor, and everyday vintage style. All proceeds support LGBTQ+ healthcare at Howard Brown.
555 W Surf | Lakeview
(773) 528-8400
Enjoy French country charm, the friendly staff, and plush, comfortable bedding all while being steps away from exciting Chicago experiences.
66 W Illinois | River North
(312) 755-1600
This informal, 16-story hotel is a 4-minute walk from Grand (Red Line) subway station and 1 mile from the iconic Willis Tower.