While the future of the neighborhood is uncertain, its past has solidified its importance in queer history and gay activism. High rents and changing housing stock has pushed some residents out of the neighborhood. However, other reasons for shifting demographics include the displacement of original residents as the neighborhood undergoes gentrification. On a positive note, this could be because gay neighborhoods are less necessary to the survival of queer individuals as queer rights are expanded throughout the country and world. However, a variety of causes have shifted the demographics of the neighborhood.įor many residents, it feels like the queer identity of the neighborhood is shrinking. Since the turn of the 21st century, the neighborhood has maintained its queer identity and continues to be a hub for queer businesses. The neighborhood increasingly created a place of belonging for queer people in this time.īy 1997, the city of Chicago “designated it an official gay village.” It was the first of its kind, and, in 1998, rainbow pylons throughout the neighborhood embraced that title. More gay bars and resturants opened shop along Halsted Street. In the 80s, the Chicago Pride Parade was hosted in Boystown, where it still hosted every year. The nickname, Boystown, was popularized in the 1980s. Throughout the rest of the century, the gay identity of the neighborhood expanded. Following suit, many gay establishments opened throughout the decade, including Augie’s lesbian bar, Little Jim’s gay bar, the Women’s Center, and the Gay Horizons community center. In 1971, The Chicago Gay Alliance, the first gay community center, was opened. In 1970, the community held the first Chicago pride parade to commemorate the anniversary of the first night of the Stonewall Inn protests. The history of the neighborhood is strongly connected to the activism and counterculture of the late 1960s and 1970s. At this point, the neighborhood was referred to as “New Town.” Throughout the early 1900s, the area was a predominantly Latin-x space. The History of Boystown: 1960 to 1979īeginning in the early 1960s, gay men were drawn to the Lakeview East area because of cheap rent and access to downtown. Northalsted resident David Bishop said it weakens the “identity and connection to the queer community.” He sees it as part of a “cultural shift” that is intended to “effort to tone down even what is left … of the queer identity.”ĭoes the name change embrace inclusivity or erase the gay identity of the neighborhood? The answer is as complex and interesting as the history of the neighborhood itself. However, some community members aren’t so fond of the new name. But really, we like to use the tagline “Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood” so we feel like that's a very inclusive, welcoming, and positive marketing slogan to use.” But, I think it is fixing what I think is a serious problem of exclusion.”Īnd, as Gordon said, “Northalsted is strictly based on location.
I don't think it's this commercial association turning away from queer, gay identity. It's truly intended to be more inclusive. from Boystown to Northalsted, as a positive change. Professor Curt Winkle of College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at UIC said, “I do see this name change. Jen Gordon, the public relations representative for the Northalsted’s Business Alliance, was one of those who expressed gratitude.įrom one perspective, the name change represents a more inclusive future for the neighborhood. With the name change, many organizations acknowledge those who have spoken up about this issue. In a 2020 online survey by the Northalsted Business Alliance, about 80% of participants stated that they didn’t feel welcome by the name ‘Boystown’.
However, the recent petition from Camp emphasizes how some members of the LGBTQIA+ community feel welcomed by the name.
With the Northalsted Business Alliance ending the use of the name Boystown in September, what are the implications of the name change and the history of this North Side neighborhood?īoystown has always been known as a diverse, inclusive community. Camp cited instances of transphobia, racism and sexism in their call to action. Gay bars have been replaced with mainstream restaurants, rent prices have skyrocketed, and many of the longtime residents have been displaced.Īdding on to these changes is the neighborhood’s new name and branding - Northalsted.Ĭonversations around changing the neighborhood’s nickname began online over the summer when organizer Devlyn Camp started a petition to retire the name Boystown. However, in recent years, Boystown has shifted significantly. In Chicago, Boystown has been that refuge for many generations of queer Chicagoans. Predominately LGBT+ neighborhoods exist across the world as safe havens for queer residents. A Name Change for Boystown, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhoodīy Kristina De Asis and Sophia Lackens | Posted: Tuesday, Dec.