Visiting Boystown :)

Salimah Hira
Daniella Gaden
Kerri Maselli
Aida Ibarra

Visiting Boystown :)
Salimah Hira
Daniella Gaden
Kerri Maselli
Aida Ibarra

Demographics

Demographics (Income)

Because there isnt a large population, the

Demographics for the Income is pretty concise and
narrowed.

History of boystown

formly known as Gaytown and New Town

dates back to 1970, the First Gay Pride Parade

Gay community kept moving north from River North till it

hit its current area, naming it New Town
in 1997, Chicago offered $3.2 million for renovation

parades actually held in River North before Boystown existed

to commemorate the neighborhoods gay and lesbian residents

in 1998, eleven pairs of 23-foot-high art-deco-style

pillars with rainbow rings were built
New Town worn off so the area was renamed Boystown

community was mostly male at the time ( early 80s/90s )

Fun Facts (Theatre)

The Playground
Theatre

7 days a week

The Nation's only

nonprofit cooperative

dedicated in the art

of improv comedy.

fun facts (Entertainment)

Fun facts

Our Experience

food!

Location of the Neighborhood

Reflection Questions!
Reflection Questions:

What was it like being in the neighborhood you visited?

It was fairly diverse and interesting to have a variety of places to visit. WE enjoyed the Chicago Diner
Restaurant, and we also had Froyo!! It didnt feel very different from the Loyola Neighborhood, but the only
distinction was that the town was very prideful!
How has this experience shaped your opinion of the Second City?
After visiting Boystown, I can say that Chicago is a very diverse and multi-cultural city. It was nice seeing a part
of the city I have never been to before, and Im happy that I could take part in this experience. Everyone we
came across was very friendly and welcoming, greeting us with a smile on their face and asking us how we
were doing.
Was this an authentic Chicago experience? Why or why not?
I think this could be considered an authentic Chicago experience, because not only is Chicago the home of this
community, but a person could learn and see so much in just one town. From going to an art gallery, and
viewing the art of local artists, to eating at a vegan restaurant. Honestly, Ive never once eaten vegan before
and it was interesting and something I am willing to try again.
What did you learn about yourself doing this activity? Did anything surprise you?
I learned that you dont need to be shy about who you are. You are allowed to show pride and encourage
others to do the same! The rainbow pillars in the area surprised me. Theyre like a reminder that gay pride
exists and they refuse to be forgotten. Its also a reminder that there is no shame in being yourself.

citations!
"About Boystown." Chicago Neighborhoods. Choose Chicago, n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
"Boys Town." Demographics & Statistics. Point2, n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
Sullivan, Emmet. "Dining&Drinking." Politics City Life. Chicago Magazine, 24 June 2015. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
Gellman, Erik. Boys Town. The Encyclopedia of Chicago, n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.

Demographics

Demographics (Income)

Because there isnt a large population, the

Demographics for the Income is pretty concise and
narrowed.

History of boystown

formly known as Gaytown and New Town

dates back to 1970, the First Gay Pride Parade

Gay community kept moving north from River North till it

hit its current area, naming it New Town
in 1997, Chicago offered $3.2 million for renovation

parades actually held in River North before Boystown existed

to commemorate the neighborhoods gay and lesbian residents

in 1998, eleven pairs of 23-foot-high art-deco-style

pillars with rainbow rings were built
New Town worn off so the area was renamed Boystown

community was mostly male at the time ( early 80s/90s )

Fun Facts (Theatre)

The Playground
Theatre

7 days a week

The Nation's only

nonprofit cooperative

dedicated in the art

of improv comedy.

fun facts (Entertainment)

Fun facts

Our Experience

food!

Location of the Neighborhood

Reflection Questions!
Reflection Questions:

What was it like being in the neighborhood you visited?

It was fairly diverse and interesting to have a variety of places to visit. WE enjoyed the Chicago Diner
Restaurant, and we also had Froyo!! It didnt feel very different from the Loyola Neighborhood, but the only
distinction was that the town was very prideful!
How has this experience shaped your opinion of the Second City?
After visiting Boystown, I can say that Chicago is a very diverse and multi-cultural city. It was nice seeing a part
of the city I have never been to before, and Im happy that I could take part in this experience. Everyone we
came across was very friendly and welcoming, greeting us with a smile on their face and asking us how we
were doing.
Was this an authentic Chicago experience? Why or why not?
I think this could be considered an authentic Chicago experience, because not only is Chicago the home of this
community, but a person could learn and see so much in just one town. From going to an art gallery, and
viewing the art of local artists, to eating at a vegan restaurant. Honestly, Ive never once eaten vegan before
and it was interesting and something I am willing to try again.
What did you learn about yourself doing this activity? Did anything surprise you?
I learned that you dont need to be shy about who you are. You are allowed to show pride and encourage
others to do the same! The rainbow pillars in the area surprised me. Theyre like a reminder that gay pride
exists and they refuse to be forgotten. Its also a reminder that there is no shame in being yourself.

citations!
"About Boystown." Chicago Neighborhoods. Choose Chicago, n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
"Boys Town." Demographics & Statistics. Point2, n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
Sullivan, Emmet. "Dining&Drinking." Politics City Life. Chicago Magazine, 24 June 2015. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
Gellman, Erik. Boys Town. The Encyclopedia of Chicago, n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.