Boystown, Chicago

Boystown is the popular name of a locally recognized neighborhood enclave within Chicago, Illinois. Situated within the formal neighborhood of Lakeview, it was the first officially recognized gay village in the United States [http://www.qrd.org/qrd/usa/illinois/chicago.americas.first.official.gay.neighborhood-01.04.99 America's First Official Gay Neighborhood Debuts] , by Rex Wockner, Outlines Chicago, access date Jily 22, 2008] as well as the cultural center of one of the largest lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) communities in the nation. Boystown has grown into a cultural center for the nearly 300,000 LGBT residents estimated to live within the Chicago metropolitan area today.

The sector's informal boundaries are generally considered to be Addison Street on the north, Lake Shore Drive on the east, Belmont Avenue on the south, and Clark Street on the west. These streets correspond to the Chicago grid between blocks 3200 and 3600 North and to the east of 1100 West, which places Boystown approximately 4 mi (6 km) north-northwest of the Chicago Loop. More generally situated west of Belmont Harbor, encompassing the [http://www.lakevieweast.com Lake View East] commercial district, and just south of the Chicago Cubs' home base in the unofficially named Wrigleyville neighborhood, Boystown has carved a niche all its own within the urban fabric of Chicago proper. Within this area on North Halsted is the Center on Halsted, an LGBT community center.

Famous among day-trippers throughout the Midwest for its colorful nightlife and inviting atmosphere, Boystown is host to a true "round-the-clock" urban experience.POV-statement|date=July 2008 It is within walking distance of trendy fashion outlets, Chicago's "Off-Loop" theater district, spectacular architecture, and many wine boutiques, specialty restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops.POV-statement|date=July 2008

Public transportation is provided by the Belmont and Addison stations on the Red Line, numerous bus lines, and taxicabs.

North Halsted Street, also known as "Northalsted", is the central hub of this bustling district. It sports Chicago's highest concentration of LGBT-friendly establishments—-an eclectic mix of bars, coffeehouses, and restaurants in accord with the equally eclectic population of local hipsters and open-minded progressives. City planners have designated Northalsted an official pedestrian and bike route following a 1998 community project that resulted in the erection of 11 pairs of rainbow-colored abstract Art Deco pylons along the strip. Coupled with the ever-present rainbow flag that is posted upon nearly every entrance encountered on the Northalsted strip, these pillars also denote the many respectable gay-owned and operated venues that have become hotspots for weekenders throughout the city as well as residents of Boystown.Facts|date=July 2008

City politicians are generally accepting of the community's identity. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's agreed to endorse and host the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. Chicago's only openly gay alderman—Thomas M. Tunney—represents the 44th Ward area on the Chicago City Council.

External links

* [http://www.boystownchicago.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.lakevieweast.com Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.gaygameschicago.org/home.php Gay Games Chicago]
* [http://www.chicagopride.com ChicagoPride.com - The Ultimate Guide to Gay Chicago]
* [http://clubfly.com/gaybars/60657-chicago-IL/?zoom=2 ClubFly Boystown: Gay bars, clubs and a google map]

Notes

See also

* Lakeview, Chicago
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