This Is Queer Space through the lens of architectural facades, PLANS, and an index of the history of operations.
“There is objective proof that homosexuality is more interesting than heterosexuality.” — Michel Foucault
Steamworks Baths
(Formerly Unicorn Club)
Text Coming Soon
Berlin Nightclub
1983-2023
Named after Europe’s gay nightclub capital, Berlin was a space dedicated to radical drag, a packed dance floor, and meeting the fellow alt crowd. The
‘Neighborhood Bar of the Future’ was filled with themed events that sparked the late night street scene below the CTA Belmont station.
Opened by Tim Sullivan and Shirley Mooney, a gay man and a straight woman, their goals included openness and liberation of the queer community during a time of great struggle and strength. Video projection and new lighting techniques became their brand as bars around the US shifted from closeted to celebratory. Sullivan died of AIDS in 1994.
Jim Schuman and Jo Webster, a married couple, bought the club and kept Berlin thriving as a queer focused club until its shuttering in 2023. Health, relentless union negotiations, and a changing scene were a handful of reasons.
A replacement is in the works and the community remains strong. The space may be locked, yet we are still here, dancing.
‘Neighborhood Bar of the Future’ was filled with themed events that sparked the late night street scene below the CTA Belmont station.
Opened by Tim Sullivan and Shirley Mooney, a gay man and a straight woman, their goals included openness and liberation of the queer community during a time of great struggle and strength. Video projection and new lighting techniques became their brand as bars around the US shifted from closeted to celebratory. Sullivan died of AIDS in 1994.
Jim Schuman and Jo Webster, a married couple, bought the club and kept Berlin thriving as a queer focused club until its shuttering in 2023. Health, relentless union negotiations, and a changing scene were a handful of reasons.
A replacement is in the works and the community remains strong. The space may be locked, yet we are still here, dancing.
Man's Country
1973-2018
Opening at 5015 N Clark just south of Andersonville’s main commercial core, this iconic place owned by Chuck Renslow housed everything—from Chicago’s Eagle location, to a concert venue, dance club, gym, and the notorious sex club that made it an iconic bathhouse.
Although Man’s Country is gone, the Leather Archives & Museum (also a legacy of Renslow, located north in Rogers Park) houses many artifacts—if it be lockers, glory holes, to benches and towels from the bathhouse.
Full Kit Gear, a leather and rubber kink shop, is on the first floor of the white building today. The main portion of where the bathhouse was is now a four story condominium complex.
Although Man’s Country is gone, the Leather Archives & Museum (also a legacy of Renslow, located north in Rogers Park) houses many artifacts—if it be lockers, glory holes, to benches and towels from the bathhouse.
Full Kit Gear, a leather and rubber kink shop, is on the first floor of the white building today. The main portion of where the bathhouse was is now a four story condominium complex.
Atmosphere
Since 2002
Located at 5355 N Clark St in Andersonville, Chicago—Atmosphere is revered as the quintessential “Upscale Dive” bar in the iconic gay neighborhood. Known for its theme nights starring the likes of Britney, Kylie, Madonna, and Beyoncé; with Drag Race viewing parties and DJs with go-go boys sparkling the weekends. An exclusive 2000s dive interior full of colored lights, with patio-style doors opening onto Clark to see and be seen—this bar encapsulates a specific era of pride through architecture.
The Lucky Horseshoe Lounge
Since 1989
Located at the intersection with Belmont at 3169 N
Halsted, Lucky Horseshoe has become a main staple of Boystown. A simple, nondescript facade, with blocked windows for a discrete yet intriguing glow onto the street. The Chicago, USA, and Pride flags adorn the facade mimicking an American Legion, but don't be fooled, this is Lakeview's only place to see dancers seven days a week.
Known for its nightly go-go boys on two stages, with three separate bars, it's always an exciting time. The front bar constricts the entry with a massive horseshoe shape wrapped in leather stools and a light-up platform for performances. Cross the threshold into the back by squeezing through a long hallway, to find yourself in a larger yet still constricted area. The dimly lit space has neon signs glowing the bar's logo in red, blue, and yellow. The second bar is like a Miami fever dream. The third glass block bar in the adjacent room glows blue as the leather chairs swivel around to face the main platform stage in the distance between the second and third bars.
Shower contests every Wednesday, with the likes of strip bingo to DJ theme nights, this bar is the quintessential space to let loose. This is queer space.
Halsted, Lucky Horseshoe has become a main staple of Boystown. A simple, nondescript facade, with blocked windows for a discrete yet intriguing glow onto the street. The Chicago, USA, and Pride flags adorn the facade mimicking an American Legion, but don't be fooled, this is Lakeview's only place to see dancers seven days a week.
Known for its nightly go-go boys on two stages, with three separate bars, it's always an exciting time. The front bar constricts the entry with a massive horseshoe shape wrapped in leather stools and a light-up platform for performances. Cross the threshold into the back by squeezing through a long hallway, to find yourself in a larger yet still constricted area. The dimly lit space has neon signs glowing the bar's logo in red, blue, and yellow. The second bar is like a Miami fever dream. The third glass block bar in the adjacent room glows blue as the leather chairs swivel around to face the main platform stage in the distance between the second and third bars.
Shower contests every Wednesday, with the likes of strip bingo to DJ theme nights, this bar is the quintessential space to let loose. This is queer space.