LGBT: History and pride present in both the stores and the streets

Unabridged Bookstore

3251 N. Broadway

With tall shelves covered in handwritten, colorful recommendations, Unabridged Bookstore is inviting and personal-feeling. While Unabridged has historically been known for its sizable LGBT literature section since the bookstore’s opening in 1980, at a size that’s neither overwhelming or limiting, the store also has plenty of room for myriad other genres. In addition to the historic LGBT section, the basement also has what they claim to be the best travel section in Chicago.

Center on Halsted

3656 N. Halsted St.

The Center on Halsted is the largest LGBT community center in the Midwest, with a mission to protect the health and wellbeing of the LGBT community in Chicago. The modern, glass-paned building attracts around 1,000 visitors a day since its opening in 2007. Besides offering affinity support groups and STD testing, the Center also hosts dance lessons, storytelling shows and gallery shows of LGBT artists.

Legacy Walk

North Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street

Stretching a half-mile along North Halsted Street, the Legacy Walk is an outdoor museum of LGBT heroes, historical figures and events. Nearly 40 bronze plaques mounted on rainbow pylons detail the stories of more famous figures like Harvey Milk, but also lesser-known trailblazers like the first American-born Chinese female physician, Margaret Chung. New placards are added each year on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day.