The Democratic National Convention is this week in Chicago, and Vice President Kamala Harris will assume the party’s leadership. LGBTQ+ people have played a large role in the Democratic Party for years, and 17% of delegates this year identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The convention always has caucus meetings and at least one big party for the queer community. The Human Rights Campaign is co-hosting an invitation-only party with Planned Parenthood on Tuesday night and house parties all week. LPAC, the group dedicated to electing queer women and nonbinary people to office, will host a cocktail reception earlier that evening.
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Politicians from around the nation and convention delegates carefully prepare for the fancy parties and events, including some avant-garde accessories. But where do you go outside of the convention hall and formal events?
Northalsted is the heart of gay Chicago, and there is plenty to do in the area, especially nightlife.
Stop for a drink at Sidetrack, which hosts Friday dance parties with go-go dancers and turns the volume up on show tunes on Sunday, Monday, and Friday afternoons. Another longtime favorite is Roscoe’s Tavern, popular for its RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties and weekend drag brunches.
Chicago’s Ukrainian Village showcases traditional eateries, churches, cultural hubs, and a new wave of small businesses, including LGBTQ+-owned craft cocktail lounge Dorothy. The cozy venue attracts a queer and ally crowd symbolic of Chicago’s gay scene. Monthly events include the open mic Fruit Salad and Lust for Life, a monthly “rock n’ roll burlyq revue.”
But there’s a lot more to Chicago’s queer culture than just bars. For a fascinating introduction, sign up for a free Chicago Greeter tour. These guided excursions, which last between two and four hours, can be customized to focus on LGBTQ+ life and history in the city of Chicago.
Stroll the Legacy Walk, billed as the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ history museum. Each of 10 pairs of 25-foot-tall steel rainbow pylons is decorated with bronze biographical memorial markers dedicated to those who’ve made a difference in our community’s history.
With over four decades in business, the historic Unabridged Bookstore proudly served the Chicago LGBTQ+ community with its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Unabridged is known for its dedication to its authors and personalized book recommendations to patrons. They’re also a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travel guides.
No matter where you go, you’re bound to have a good time in Chicago, and there’s plenty to do outside the convention hall. Be sure to find some time to explore a bit.
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