Did you know that Chicago is home to the very first gay rights organization in the United States AND the first Pride Parade in the world?

October is LGBT History Month, and we’re honoring it with two walking tours looking at some of Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ history with tour guide Mike McMains of Tours with Mike.

On this Downtown tour, you’ll discover Chicago’s hidden LGBTQ stories from the 19th century to today while exploring the city’s downtown area. You’ll learn why LGBTQ people were forced to live in the shadows in fear of legal and social repercussions, how they began to claim their own spaces in the city, and the development of one of the largest and most vibrant queer communities in the United States.

Attendees can enhance their tour experience by using their smartphones to view historical photographs related to the tour topics.

$25; $22.50 members

Tour begins at 11 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, covers about two miles, ends at the Daley Center (50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602), and is wheelchair accessible.