First Gay Bar at Major US Airport Could Be Coming to Chicago

Strategic Insights -

The idea of a gay bar at a major U.S. airport could become a reality in Chicago, where a proposal to bring popular queer bar Sidetrack to O'Hare International Airport has been submitted to the city. Philanthropist and activist Lori Lightfoot, a well-known figure in Chicago's LGBTQ+ community, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that it would create opportunities for people to see that LGBTQ+ individuals have thrived in Chicago. The proposal has been submitted by restaurateur Germán González, who would oversee day-to-day operations, and investors Johnston and Peña, who would be the primary investors and share the licensing for the brand.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposal to bring Sidetrack, a popular queer bar, to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago has been submitted to the city.
  • The bar would be located in Terminal 1, and restaurateur Germán González's Somos Hospitality Group would oversee day-to-day operations.
  • Investors Johnston and Peña would be the primary investors and share the licensing for the brand.
  • The project aims to create ways for people to see LGBTQ+ individuals in a positive light and demonstrate that they have thrived in Chicago.
  • The proposal has been submitted in collaboration with philanthropist and activist Lori Lightfoot.
  • Sidetrack has grown from a small space to a collection of spaces spanning over 8 storefronts and can host over 1,000 people at a time.
  • The project is seen as a powerful statement during Pride Month, especially given the current climate of LGBTQ+ rights.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 people pass through O'Hare International Airport every day.
  • Sidetrack has grown from a small space to a collection of spaces spanning over 8 storefronts and can host over 1,000 people at a time.
  • The LGBTQ+ community in Chicago has faced challenges and has had to develop spaces for themselves, such as gay bars.
  • O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.

Sources:

  • Out Magazine
  • Chicago Tribune
  • Block Club Chicago