This article delves into the history of The Baton, a historic LGBTQ+ bar in Chicago. Founded in 1969, it faced numerous challenges but ultimately became a renowned celebrity hotspot. The piece highlights the significance of LGBTQ+ bars as safe spaces and community hubs.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 11:02PMOne of Chicago's oldest LGBTQ+ bars, The Baton , first opened in 1969. While it struggled at first, it then became a celebrity hotspot .The history of LGBTQ+ bars is rich. They're much more than places to get a drink. For many years, they were the only spaces some could go to meet other members of their communities.
Flint moved to Chicago from Peoria in 1963. The Baton first opened six years later in the River North neighborhood, when Chicago was a very different place. "It was just a bar and nobody would come. We sit there with three or four or five people, so I thought we got to do something," Flint said. "So I got for my friends, and we dressed up. We didn't know a damn thing we were doing."
The Baton became a mainstay for bachelorette parties and tourists. It moved to the Uptown neighborhood in 2019. It's now known as one of the oldest Chicago-area gay bars, which is still operating, along with the Jeffery Pub in the South Shore neighborhood, which opened in 1960.
LGBTQ+ History The Baton Chicago Bars Celebrity Hotspot Community Hub
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago artist Hebru Brantley brings new 'FlyBoy' mural to Fashion Outlets of ChicagoWhile the Rosemont mall has always had art, continuing to add more artwork is an attempt to add more for shoppers to see and do in a climate of increased e-commerce.
Read more »
Chicago Sky fire Teresa Weatherspoon after 1 season in Chicago: ReportsThe Chicago Sky have reportedly made a huge change after just one season.
Read more »
Chicago Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Buys $12.9 Million Estate Near ChicagoFormer USC Trojans quarterback and current Chicago Bear Caleb Williams dropped a bag on a new estate near Chicago. Check out the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner's pad.
Read more »
Chicago, ‘Oasis is coming:' Britpop band expands 2025 tour to North America, adds Chicago stopThe Britpop band will play at Soldier Field in Chicago in August of 2025.
Read more »
CBS News Chicago teaming up with Chicago Day of the Girl this Oct. 11The 'My Voice. My Future' themed event will bring together over 250 girls to celebrate sisterhood on the International Day of the Girl.
Read more »
Chicago Wolves games to be televised live on FOX Chicago PlusThe Chicago Wolves announced that 30 of their regular-season home games for the 2024-25 American Hockey League season will be broadcast on FOX Chicago Plus (WPWR-TV).
Read more »