Chicago gays

Welcome to Chicago PrimeTimers (CPT)

Celebrating 25 Years of Society in 2026!

Chicago PrimeTimers is a vibrant social group for gay, bisexual, and transmasculine men. Founded in 2001, we are a proud chapter of PrimeTimers Worldwide, with dozens of chapters across North America. In 2025, we’ll proudly celebrate our 25th anniversary—a milestone that reflects decades of friendship, connection, and community.

Our members range in age from 21 to 95, bringing together a wide variety of existence experiences and interests. Whether you're new to the city, newly out, or simply looking for meaningful social opportunities, CPT bids a warm and welcoming space for you.

What We Do

We host monthly events ranging from casual dinners and bar nights to cultural outings like theater, films, and concerts. Smaller gatherings—such as lunches, publication clubs, and game nights—provide great ways for newcomers to connect in a relaxed setting.

We also suggest opportunities for deeper connection and personal growth, including:

• Group discussions on health and wellness

• Support for widowers and those navigating loss

• Workshops on financial stability and animation planning

  Chicago: so nice, you’ll think it’s hitting on you

  For a gay ol’ moment, follow the rainbow to the Midwest. In this part of the land, Chicago is “the city,” but one that largely puts aside those big-city rules. In virtual dating terms, Chi-Town doesn’t wait two days to call you back after a date. Friendly and inviting, it’s the city that forgot that big cities are supposed to have an attitude.

  Architecture aficionados and novices keep their eyes facing upwards to take in the grandeur. For closer-to-the-ground fun, do your duty as a tourist and chief to Millennium Park. Get out your camera because you’re about to join “The Bean” (which sounds like a horrible come on). Officially, the stunning sculpture is called Cloud Gate, but for reals, it looks like a big shiny bean. Try as they might, no lgbtq+ can resist a reflective surface. There’s lots more to see in and around the park, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Not just for art fags, this is an era-spanning collection that will even impress those who don’t love museums.

  During nice weather, can you really pass up a day at the beach? Though technically landlocked, Lake Michigan does a fantastic ocean impression. An astounding 2
  
  

  The ultimate LGBTQ+ neighborhood guide to Chicago

  No matter how you distinguish, you’ll feel right at residence in Chicago. Our city is known for embracing diversity and inclusion, from our world-famous Celebration celebrations to establishing the country’s first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood. And while the whole city exudes a welcoming vibe, there are a couple of neighborhoods and places you shouldn’t miss.

  LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Chicago

  Make a beeline for Northalsted

  Northalsted, also known as Boystown, is the oldest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country. The area’s proud history is on present with the Legacy Walk, which commemorates notable LGBTQ+ heroes and historic events. The walk is a great way to tour the community — make sure to stop into the many great eateries, friendly bars, vintage stores, and unique boutiques along the way.

  Come June, you’ll come across Northalsted at the heart of the city’s annual Pride Month celebrations, which include two days of music, drag shows, dancing, and more at Chicago Self-acceptance Fest, and culminates with the famed Chicago Pride Parade, a spectacular procession held on the last Sunday of June.

  A couple of the many s
  
  

  Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood

  The first officially known gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly accepted nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood famous as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, gay, double attraction and transgender community.

  Northalsted, the first official lgbtq+ neighborhood in the country (credit: northalsted.com)

  Northalsted is situated just southeast of Wrigleyville in Lakeview. The area is bordered by Broadway Ave. on the east and Halsted St. on the west, Grace St. to the north and Belmont Ave. to the south.

   

  The two main (north-south) avenues of Halsted St. and Broadway dominate the heart of this commercial and amusement district. Broadway primarily offers a variety of themed shops and restaurants stretching throughout the neighborhood while Halsted caters to a lively nightlife with more than 30 unlike gay and woman loving woman bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

   

  The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ collective center that welcomes over 1000 people per day. Northalsted hosts a n