This document provides information about Boystown, a neighborhood in Chicago known for its large LGBT population. It describes how to get to Boystown via public transportation, and explains that in the 1970s bars began opening in the area, attracting gays who were being priced out of other neighborhoods. Demographic data is presented showing Boystown has higher incomes and fewer families compared to Chicago overall. Fun facts are listed about Boystown being the first officially recognized gay village in the US, having a large LGBT community and nightlife, and hosting Chicago's Pride Parade each June.
2. Getting There
Take the Red Line to the Addison stop- about 8 stops
from Granville
From Addison it is about a half mile walk to Boystown,
Lakeview Chicago
3. History of Boystown
The area we now know as Boystown
was an area full of crime in the 1970’s
and even before then. But many bars
began to open there in 1975 and
drew attraction to the area. Because
gays were being priced out of the up-and-
coming River North area they
moved further north and settled into
the new and vibrant “Boystown”.
4. Demographics
Boystown Median Household income 2011 - $66,293
Chicago’s- $43,628
Males- 10,510 Females- 9,076
Median age Males- 33.7 Females- 30.8
Average household size- 1.7 people
Percentage of family households- 20.2%
Chicago- 43.5%
5. Demographics (Continued)
Percentage of married-couple families- 18.9%
Chicago – 31.3%
Percentage of married couples with children – 48.7%
Chicago 20.4%
Percentage of single-mother households (among all
households): 19.4%
Chicago: 13.9%
Percentage of never married males 15 years old and over:
36.9%
Chicago: 24.8%
6. Demographics (Continued)
Percentage of people that don’t or at all speak English:5.0%
Chicago: 9.9%
Percentage of people born in this state: 36.7%
Chicago: 58.8%
Percentage of people born in another U.S. state :45.7%
Chicago: 18.1%
Percentage of native residents but born outside the U.S:
1.5%
Chicago: 1.7%
Percentage of foreign born residents: 15.3%
Chicago: 21.4%
7. Fun Facts
-Second largest populated
Chicago community
-famous for its large LGBT
population
-Pride Parade is held here each
June
-Northeast section
-the first officially recognized gay
village in the United States
-one of the largest LGBT
communities in the nation
-known for its colorful, lively
nightlife and inviting atmosphere
8. Fun Facts (Continued)
-Offers Chicago’s off-Loop theatre and specialty restaurants
-Has historic architecture on every street corner
-Very colorful neighborhood
-Has profoundly affected the cultural fabric of Chicago
-Has bars called “Meat” and “Wood”
-30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants
-Known for fun
-Named world’s most ‘incomparable’ gay neighborhood
