What we love/hate about queer Chicago

In honor or our Love/Hate Chicago issue, we asked local LGBT Chicagoans what they both like and dislike about our local queer community. View more entries online, then check out a sampling of opinions below.

Winston Alexander
22, Lakeview

Loves: "I recently discovered 2nd Story Bar downtown. It's a fantastic gay spot to escape the tourism and 'hardcore' vibe of Boystown."

Hates: "I feel like the majority of folks in Chicago's gay clubs tend to be a tad anti-social. That is, it is rare to be out and have someone initiate a conversation with you or even appear inviting enough to approach, making it difficult to use these locations as a means to make new friends."

Mike Kendal
32, Humboldt Park

Loves: "I love the fact that parties like Chances, FKA and various offshoots exist for the fact that they are spaces/events that are all-encompassing and all-welcoming to the various factions of the LGBTQ communities, as opposed to the historical division of the community and establishments geared toward each specific component. It's nice to see lesbians, gay men, trans/genderqueer-identified people mingling in the same space."

Hates: "I don't love the fact that, as a west side resident, aside from the above mentioned monthly parties, there still lacks a dedicated space for queer-identified people to go to any given night of the week."

Achy Obejas
54, Kenwood

Loves: "The Jeffrey pub. It's great fun, all-embracing, powerfully intoxicating in so many ways, but also more community-focused than any bar I know. It's social service, counseling and church, all with a delicious beat and a line dance."

Hates: "I really dislike how very, very easily the LGBT community is co-opted."

Troy Karnoff
fortysomething, Andersonville

Loves: "The great thing about the LGBT community is there is something for everyone, from Boystown to Andersonville, downtown, Rogers Park, sport leagues, etc. It is a city that I feel is LGBT friendly with very diverse bars and clubs for everyone whether its leather, twink, Latin, strippers, late night we have it all!"

Hates: "The clickiness"

Charlie Rice-Minoso
22, Lakeview

Loves: "Like all big cities, Chicago is such an extraordinary melting pot and the "gayborhoods" are no exception. I love being able to meet new people and experience new adventures, while still knowing that familiar faces aren't too far from me."

Hates: "As much as I love Halsted Street and find myself spending time there on most weekends, the LGBT community can be very confined. There is a phenomenal city outside of Addison and Belmont, and I feel like that is frequently forgotten."

More opinions on LGBTQ Chicago