Did you know that Chicago is home to the very first early LGBTQIA+ rights organization in the US (1924) AND the first Pride Parade in the world (1970)? 

October is LGBT History Month, and we’re honoring it with two walking tours looking at some of Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ history with tour guide Mike McMains of Tours with Mike. 

On this Downtown tour, you’ll discover Chicago’s hidden LGBTQ stories from the 19th century to today while exploring the city’s downtown area. You’ll learn why LGBTQ people were forced to live in the shadows in fear of legal and social repercussions, how they began to claim their own spaces in the city, and the development of one of the largest and most vibrant queer communities in the United States. Hear stories about: 

• A Nobel Peace Prize winner’s secret, lesbian romance 

• The homosexual illustrator whose works graced more covers of The Saturday Evening Post than even Norman Rockwell 

• Why downtown Chicago was so active with homosexual activity during the mid-20th century 

• The influential, Chicago activist campaigning for city and national officials to act during the AIDS crisis 

• The country’s first Gay Liberation March. 

Attendees can enhance their tour experience by using their smartphones to view historical photographs related to the tour topics. 

$25; $22.50 members 

Tour runs approximately 90–120 minutes. Meet just outside the storefront of the former Reset MedSpa (11 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL 60605). The tour ends at the Daley Center (50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602). 

Tour also includes free admission to the Chicago History Museum, good for one week from tour date. 

Masks are optional for our outdoor walking tours. Learn more about our COVID-19 safety policies and procedures