Boystown is a part of Lakeview, a community area located in Chicago. It’s situated on the north side of the city and sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. Lakeview is split into several different sub-neighborhoods, including Lakeview East, where Boystown can be found. This part of Lakeview is incredibly famous in the LGBT community. Most people would think that the Castro part of San Francisco or a neighborhood in New York was the first gay village, but Boystown was around before any of them.
Why Chicago?
When told about Boystown, people often ask why Chicago? What makes the LGBT community, especially gay men, move to Illinois? The answer can be found by looking at the state’s laws. In 1961, many states had sodomy laws on the books. Even if two consenting adults engaged in this sexual act, they could be sent to prison. That law was repealed in Illinois that year, and many gay men saw their chance at living a life free of fear.
During the civil rights movement, many LGBT individuals became involved in politics, helping further improve their quality of life in Boystown and the rest of Chicago and Illinois. The Chicago Gay Liberation and other groups were formed during this time and continue to fight for LGBT rights today.
The neighborhood’s diversity is another key factor. In the early 1930s, about a third of Lakeview residents were immigrants from Germany or one of the Scandinavian countries. Later, following World War II, a number of Japanese Americans move to the area. With such diversity, many people already accepted the fact that their neighbors had different customs, beliefs, and ideas than they did. Most considered members of the LGBT community to be no different than the other residents of Boystown.
The First Pride
Chicago’s first pride parade wasn’t organized until 1970. Only around 150 people were a part of that parade, and it made very little stir. In fact, less than 100 words were written about it in the Chicago Tribune. However, each year, the parade grew. By the 1980s, well over a thousand people were a part of the festivities every year.
Boystown Today
Today, Boystown is the center of Chicago’s LGBT community. It’s one of the largest gay neighborhoods and cultural centers in the US. It’s home to many different bars, clubs, and off-Loop theater productions. You’ll find homes here are mostly historic, an interesting contrast to many of the more modern businesses. The area is also where the annual pride parade is held.
