Chicago Queer History Walking Tours: June 13 Public and Private Queerness

The Historian John D’Emilio observed that the rise of the industrial city in the 19th century created the conditions that allowed queer community to form. For the first time in modernity, queer people could separate their public and private lives and begin to gather together to form queer culture. We’ll explore a gay gangster, the mysterious disappearance of a federal judge, a pre-prohibition drag bar and much more.

When: Saturday, June 13, 1 pm
Start: Chicago Water Tower (801 N Michigan Ave)
End: Chicago Water Tower (801 N Michigan Ave)
Distance: apx 2 miles

The University of Illinois Chicago Gender and Sexuality Center presents a series of Chicago Queer History Walking Tours for Summer 2026. Tours are conducted by Daniel Williams, a political science professor who’s been bringing the details of Chicago’s queer past to life on social media. Follow him on Instagram @Daniel.Edward.Williams
All walking tours are free, with tips gratefully accepted, but not expected.