Chicago is a city that I had never set foot in before this trip, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had been told by several people that it was one of their favorites, but they almost invariably mentioned places and things they loved about the city. I usually find that it is the people you meet that make a city wonderful, and I found Chicago rife with wonderfully kind human beings. It truly has all the best characteristics of a Midwestern city.
The first day I was in Chicago, I decided I was going to take a gander down Halsted Street, or for those of you in the gay community "Boystown." I wanted to see and feel one of the epicenters of the LGBT community in the U.S. What I found there was an outdoor museum called "The Legacy Walk." It's a primer to the life and history of several of the activist figures of the LGBT rights movement through the years. Come to find out, my knowledge on that subject was severely lacking. I knew a few of the names, but I did not know their history or the massive sacrifices made to improve the lives of those who came after, including my own. They ranged from a lesbian activist born in NYC, but native to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, to a USAF Technical Sargeant that faced national scrutiny, dishonorable discharge, and disgrace to his family to fight military prejudice, to a gay friar in New York City that gave his life in helping others during the attack of 9/11. I was unprepared to be crying in public, but it happened multiple times. Thank heavens it was the day after Chicago Pride, and it was pretty much just me and the street cleaners. I am eternally grateful to these people that gave everything and came face to face with hatred, condemnation, and shame to fight for improving their lives and the lives of others. They are the reason I can be open about my sexuality with friends, family, and most of the world, and for that I am exceedingly grateful.
The first day I was in Chicago, I decided I was going to take a gander down Halsted Street, or for those of you in the gay community "Boystown." I wanted to see and feel one of the epicenters of the LGBT community in the U.S. What I found there was an outdoor museum called "The Legacy Walk." It's a primer to the life and history of several of the activist figures of the LGBT rights movement through the years. Come to find out, my knowledge on that subject was severely lacking. I knew a few of the names, but I did not know their history or the massive sacrifices made to improve the lives of those who came after, including my own. They ranged from a lesbian activist born in NYC, but native to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, to a USAF Technical Sargeant that faced national scrutiny, dishonorable discharge, and disgrace to his family to fight military prejudice, to a gay friar in New York City that gave his life in helping others during the attack of 9/11. I was unprepared to be crying in public, but it happened multiple times. Thank heavens it was the day after Chicago Pride, and it was pretty much just me and the street cleaners. I am eternally grateful to these people that gave everything and came face to face with hatred, condemnation, and shame to fight for improving their lives and the lives of others. They are the reason I can be open about my sexuality with friends, family, and most of the world, and for that I am exceedingly grateful.
Speaking of improvements in LGBT lives, this was a few days after the SCOTUS decision on marriage. While I was going through The Legacy Walk, I saw a gentleman outside of a bar called Side Track cleaning the chrome façade. He was wearing a shirt proudly commemorating the decision. I stopped to say hello and ask him where I could get such a shirt. He responded by asking what size I wear. He disappeared inside, and came back out shortly to ask if I could wear a medium instead of a small. I said that was fine, and a minute later he came out with a different shirt on and handed me his. He explained that unfortunately the extra shirts that they had had been picked up already, and that I could have his. He apologized for the smell, and we struck up a conversation. I told him about my trip, and he told me about his city and the Pride that I had missed. I have never had someone give me the shirt off of their back, but Chicago is a magical place! I forget his name, it was something common and monosyllabic, but he was a little shorter than me, bald, and a very warm person. Thank you "Tom." I shall never forget your kindness.
After the walk down Halsted, I decided I wanted to go see Wrigley Field. I walked around the outside and asked the gentleman at the entrance if there was any possibility of taking a tour, but no dice. Apparently tours only happen on game days.
After the walk down Halsted, I decided I wanted to go see Wrigley Field. I walked around the outside and asked the gentleman at the entrance if there was any possibility of taking a tour, but no dice. Apparently tours only happen on game days.
Next I walked to Lincoln Park, because you can learn a lot about a city by observing its public spaces. That, and I was told there was a botanical garden, lily pond, and zoo. First of all, that park is gorgeous. The north pond is beautifully maintained with flowers, prairie grass, geese, and mulberry trees everywhere that people and geese both ate freely from. The lily pond was a charming little escape from the surrounding city, and it led me directly into the zoo. I was once again surprised by Chicago in that the zoo and the botanical gardens were free!
After the zoo, it was time to try a Chicago style hotdog. I went on a walk with a newfound friend (once again, only happens in the Midwest), to Portillo's. Hot dog was delicious, decor was awesome and historic, and the place was busy beyond belief! They must be doing something right. I got to try one other Chicago dog on the recommendation of my host at Wiener Circle. This was also delicious and served with a healthy side of attitude. Be careful with the peppers in Chicago dogs. They like to squirt pickle juice everywhere when you bite into them.
The evening ended with going to my high school friend/host's improv show at Flat Iron Comedy. I got to experience even more wonderful improv the next night at iO Chicago. Maximum, Lola, and Felt were the teams performing that night. It was my first introduction to the long form improv structure known as The Harold. It was quite fascinating to watch them weave such a narrative, and very funny to watch these performers play off of each other.
My last night in Chicago was spent with my host and his roommate playing arcade games at a place called Headquarters, which is the adult nerd's paradise. There are 80's movies and pro wrestling playing on all TVs, pizza, a massive tap list, and a bunch of free games along with a few that required quarters. 10/10 would go again and again.
The only things I didn't get to do while in Chicago was go to the top of the Hancock Center and watch the sunset, and go to the Field Museum as well as the Museum of Science and Industry. I have no doubt that I will return to Chicago in the near future to accomplish this. Thank you Chicago! I couldn't have asked for a better time.
After the zoo, it was time to try a Chicago style hotdog. I went on a walk with a newfound friend (once again, only happens in the Midwest), to Portillo's. Hot dog was delicious, decor was awesome and historic, and the place was busy beyond belief! They must be doing something right. I got to try one other Chicago dog on the recommendation of my host at Wiener Circle. This was also delicious and served with a healthy side of attitude. Be careful with the peppers in Chicago dogs. They like to squirt pickle juice everywhere when you bite into them.
The evening ended with going to my high school friend/host's improv show at Flat Iron Comedy. I got to experience even more wonderful improv the next night at iO Chicago. Maximum, Lola, and Felt were the teams performing that night. It was my first introduction to the long form improv structure known as The Harold. It was quite fascinating to watch them weave such a narrative, and very funny to watch these performers play off of each other.
My last night in Chicago was spent with my host and his roommate playing arcade games at a place called Headquarters, which is the adult nerd's paradise. There are 80's movies and pro wrestling playing on all TVs, pizza, a massive tap list, and a bunch of free games along with a few that required quarters. 10/10 would go again and again.
The only things I didn't get to do while in Chicago was go to the top of the Hancock Center and watch the sunset, and go to the Field Museum as well as the Museum of Science and Industry. I have no doubt that I will return to Chicago in the near future to accomplish this. Thank you Chicago! I couldn't have asked for a better time.