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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING NORTH HALSTED AS A DIVERSE CORRIDOR OF NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, AND ADVOCACY IN HONOR OF ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, North Halsted, located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago and Cook County’s 10th District, stands as one of the most recognized LGBTQIA+ communities in the United States, proudly known as “Boystown”, the first officially designated gay village in the country; and
WHEREAS, the North Halsted corridor has evolved into a dynamic cultural and economic district defined by its inclusive spirit, vibrant nightlife, beloved restaurants, and unwavering commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights, visibility, and equality; and
WHEREAS, North Halsted has served not only as a refuge but as a national model for LGBTQIA+ activism, expression, and empowerment, continuously fostering a sense of belonging for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations; and
WHEREAS, the neighborhood is home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s most comprehensive LGBTQIA+ community center, and to Howard Brown Health, a nationally recognized leader in LGBTQIA+ affirming healthcare, both of which provide vital services in health, wellness, housing, education, and advocacy for thousands of community members annually; and
WHEREAS, iconic, longtime establishments such as Sidetrack, which has been a fixture of LGBTQIA+ nightlife since 1982, have contributed immensely to civic engagement through voter registration drives, AIDS awareness campaigns, and inclusive community programming; and
WHEREAS, inclusive venues including Roscoe’s Tavern, The Baton Show Lounge, and Replay Lakeview offer platforms for LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and advocates, while promoting a safe and affirming nightlife environment; and
WHEREAS, Ann Sather’s, a cherished North Halsted restaurant since 1945, became a hub of community and connection under the ownership of Tom Tunney, who in 1991 became the first openly gay entrepreneur to be appointed to the Chicago Mayor’s Advisory Council on LGBTQ Affairs, and who later made history again as Chicago’s first openly gay alderman, serving the 44th Ward with distinction from 2003 to 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Northalsted Business Alliance continues to uplift and promote the neighborhood’s distinct LGBTQIA+ culture while driving forward equity, economic resilience, and creative public space projects; and
WHEREAS, North Halsted proudly hosts the annual Chicago Pride Parade and Northalsted Market Days, two of the nation’s largest celebrations of LGBTQIA+ identity, drawing hundreds of thousands in joyful recognition of community, heritage, and progress; and
WHEREAS, the residents, entrepreneurs, artists, and organizers of North Halsted remain steadfast in building a Cook County where all people - regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation - are free to thrive, love openly, and live without fear or discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the North Halsted neighborhood stands today as a living example of Cook County’s highest values: diversity, courage, equity, and the fundamental dignity of all people.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that 10th District Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer and the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize and celebrate North Halsted as a vital, historic, and inspiring corridor of nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and community advocacy that has played a transformative role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Northalsted Business Alliance, and other neighborhood leaders in honor of their dedication and lasting contributions to the fabric of Cook County.
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