LGBT Chicagoans?

I am originally from Chicago and spent a lot of time in the gay community. Although it depends on where you're moving from, I would also highly recommend Chicago as a gay-friendly community. The population is, for the most part, liberally-minded and the gay scene is very busy, whether you want bars or community events. I currently live in Texas, and every time I go back and visit Chicago I'm surprised at the lack of attitude in the community and in the bars.

The heart of the community is a four or five block stretch along north Halsted Street, where virtually every business is gay-oriented and/or gay-owned. It's a thriving community and great fun! The downside is that it's expensive to live there, but easy to get there by train if you live elsewhere. (As is the case so often, property values start to skyrocket the moment the homosexuals move in.)

Chicago is a big city and like any big city it does have some crime. But there are tons of gay people, and lots of activity in the city. Many bars and other gay businesses thrive, especially in the Halsted and Belmont neighborhoods called Lakeview and Wrigleyville, but affectionately dubbed "boystown," but now spreading throughout the north side. The city government is gay friendly, the two big celebrations of the year are the Pride Parade the last Sunday in June and North Halsted Street Market Days, usually the first weekend in August.

The suburbs are more subdued. I don't think there is a lot of hostility, but once you get 5 miles out of the city, a gay bar is hard to find.

Huge Gay Community in Chicago. You Just Missed the Halstead Market Days Street Fair.

Great Place.

sorry but i live in florida