Chicago gay

Olympic Committee concedes to Trump, bans trans women competitors

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has banned transgender women from competing in women’s sports, The Advocate noted, citing The New York Times. The committee “quietly changed its eligibility rules on [July 21],” the Times reported, with a “short, vaguely worded paragraph” outlining the novel policy. The revised policy…

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byAndrew Davis

Out the Archives: A glance back to 1996 and HIV prevention work in the Black community

Out the Archives is a recurring feature diving into the Windy City Times collection, offering a look support at the rich history of LGBTQ+ Chicago. In this edition, we glance back at the February 1996 issue of BLACKlines, which included writer Shamara Riley’s coverage of HIV prevention work in the Black community. For more Black…

Former Equality Illinois CEO Brian Johnson speaks about his upcoming plans and the current LGBTQ+ political landscape

Political Playbook Illinois storyteller and politics reporter Shia Kapos hosted a Politico Playbook Live conversation with former Equality Illinois President Brian Johnson July 17 at Hideout

Chicago Pride Parade

Chicago's Pride celebration consists of a complete month of festivities and events, culminating with the Chicago Pride Parade, which traditionally takes place the last Sunday of June.

Chicago Pride Fest takes place along North Halsted St. in the North Side neighborhood colloquially referred to a ‘Boystown’ the weekend prior to the parade.

The Chicago Pride Parade (June 29, 2025 11am)

The 54th annual Chicago Pride March steps off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from the corners of Sheridan and Broadway (3900 North) on Chicago's north side.

The parade treks through the north side of the city, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park, walking through some of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.

The annual parade, which started as a protest march in 1970 after the Stonewall Riots in New York City, has grown into the city's second-largest celebration of nearly 200 entries, typically attracting more than 1 million people to multiple northside neighborhoods, particularly East Lakeview.

Parade Map and Links

Sidetrack Chicago

MONDAYOpen 3pm-2am
Start your week with song
MUSICAL MONDAY
Show Tunes 8pm-2am

TUESDAY Open 3pm-2am
TEAM TRIVIA (new topic each week) 8pm
Pop Favorite Videos after Trivia ’til 2am
OUTspoken: LGBTQ+ Storytelling 1st Tues of month 7pm

WEDNESDAY Open 3pm-2am
Wed 7/23 ALL THINGS BRITNEY & RIHANNA
Wed 7/30 ALL THINGS DUA & ARIANA & SABRINA
Wed 8/6 ALL THINGS TAYLOR
Wed 8/13 ALL THINGS BEYONCÉ
Wed 8/20 ALL THINGS GAGA
9pm-2am for “ALL THINGS” PARTIES

THURSDAY Open 3pm-2am
-Glass/Side/Rooftop Bars
LET’S GO! THURSDAY
Pop Music Videos from open till 2am
-Main/Cherry/North Bars – 9pm-2am
LET’S GO! LATIN 7/24 & 8/21
ALL THINGS LOLLA 7/31
MEN’S ROOM GLOW PARTY 8/7
PINK PONY CLUB CHAPPELL/CHARLI/SABRINA 8/14
ALL THINGS K-POP 8/28

FRIDAY Open 3pm-2am
T.G.I.F. SHOW TUNES 4-9pm
FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY 9pm-2am
Rooftop opens early evening

SATURDAY Open 1pm-3am
Post-Brunch Fun at Sidetrack 1-6pm
Saturday Night Move Party 9pm-3am
Monthly Pup DAY first Sat. of the month 1-5pm
SAPPHIC SATURDAY last Sat. of the month 5-9pm

SUND

The ultimate LGBTQ+ neighborhood mentor to Chicago

No matter how you identify, you’ll sense right at home in Chicago. Our city is known for embracing diversity and inclusion, from our world-famous Pride celebrations to establishing the country’s first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood. And while the whole town exudes a welcoming vibe, there are a couple of neighborhoods and places you shouldn’t miss.

LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Chicago

Make a beeline for Northalsted

Northalsted, also famous as Boystown, is the oldest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country. The area’s proud history is on display with the Legacy Walk, which commemorates notable LGBTQ+ heroes and historic events. The walk is a great way to tour the community — make sure to block into the many fantastic eateries, friendly bars, vintage stores, and unique boutiques along the way.

Come June, you’ll find Northalsted at the heart of the city’s annual Pride Month celebrations, which include two days of music, flamboyant shows, dancing, and more at Chicago Pride Fest, and culminates with the famed Chicago Pride Parade, a spectacular procession held on the last Sunday of June.

A couple of the many s