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LGBTQ Stories Tours
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LGBTQ Stories Media Coverage 🌈
LGBTQ Stories Media Coverage 🌈
Click the picture to see my segment on WGN's "Daytime Chicago" TV show and take a Chicago LGBTQ history quiz
Click the picture to read Block Club Chicago's article on my LGBTQ Stories experiences
Click the picture to hear me discuss LGBTQ history in episodes 613 and 618
Click the picture to hear me interviewed about my LGBTQ Stories tours
Click the picture to see a portion of my "It's All Good" podcast interview featured in The U's "On The Block" TV show
Click the picture to hear me interviewed about my LGBTQ Stories tours starting at 36:11 in the episode
Click the picture to read an article about LGBTQ tours in New York, San Francisco, and the ones I do here in Chicago
LGBTQ Stories Bus Tour 🌈
LGBTQ Stories Bus Tour 🌈
South Side LGBTQ Stories by Bus Tour
When people think of Chicago’s LGBTQ neighborhoods, North Side areas, like Northalsted (Boystown) and Andersonville, commonly come to mind first. The city’s South Side, however, had lively LGBTQ activity generations before any North Side neighborhood and frequently shaped culture across the nation. This tour puts a spotlight on the South Loop’s and Bronzeville’s fascinating neighborhood evolutions along with their hidden LGBTQ histories. The entire experience takes place on Shermann "Dilla" Thomas’s Chicago Mahogany Tours bus, and it is a really comfortable ride with great views out the windows!
Enjoy it either as a public bus tour or a private experience for your group.
LGBTQ Stories Walking Tours 🌈
LGBTQ Stories Walking Tours 🌈
Downtown LGBTQ Stories Walking Tour
A reason why Chicago has one of the largest LGBTQ populations in the United States today is because the city is so accepting and supportive, but it was not always that way. After being forced to hide in the shadows for generations, leaders emerged to fight hard for the rights and acceptance the city's LGBTQ residents enjoy today. Discover Chicago's hidden LGBTQ stories from the 19th century to today as we stroll through the city's downtown.
Enjoy it either as a public walking tour or a private in-person or virtual experience for your group.
North Side LGBTQ Stories Walking Tour
LGBTQ-oriented businesses and organizations first started opening in the Northalsted (Boystown) area in the mid-1970s. Today it is one of the country’s largest LGBTQ districts and the first one formally recognized by its city government. On this walking tour, you’ll discover wonderful public art, beautiful architecture, interesting shops and bars, and fascinating stories celebrating Chicago’s LGBTQ community.
Enjoy it either as a public walking tour or a private in-person or virtual experience for your group.
LGBTQ Stories Virtual Tours 🌈
LGBTQ Stories Virtual Tours 🌈
My public virtual tours are all live-streamed, no-charge experiences where you can interactively engage with me and people around the world with your questions and comments. I have five, Pride Month virtual tours to check out…
Downtown LGBTQ Stories (Part One) Virtual Tour
Live-stream the first half of my Downtown LGBTQ Stories walking tour as we focus on several nationally influential icons, including Jane Addams, Margaret Anderson, Jane Heap, Albert Cashier, Louis Sullivan, and many others. Register for this virtual tour on June 20 at 1:00 pm CST here.
Downtown LGBTQ Stories (Part Two) Virtual Tour
Check out the second half of my Downtown LGBTQ Stories walking tour as we unearth hidden histories, including the country’s first Gay Liberation March, the Chicagoan Alfred Kinsey called the “Doctor Prometheus” of human sexuality, and the openly gay man George Washington hired to win the Revolutionary War. Register for this virtual tour on June 22 at 1:00 pm CST here.
North Side LGBTQ Stories (Part One) Virtual Tour
Watch the first half of my North Side LGBTQ Stories walking tour as we discover how Chicago’s first suburban community evolved into one of the country’s most vibrant LGBTQ neighborhoods. Registration for this virtual tour is coming soon.
North Side LGBTQ Stories (Part Two) Virtual Tour
Join me for the second half of my North Side LGBTQ Stories walking tour as we stroll along Northalsted learning about the stories behind the public art, businesses, and community organizations celebrating Chicago’s diversity. Registration for this virtual tour is coming soon.
Chicago Pride Parade Live-Stream
Chicago hosted the first Pride Parade in the United States, and our parade is one of the world's largest today typically drawing more than a million attendees. I will offer commentary on the parade participants, provide history on this tradition, and share some stories. Registration for this virtual tour is coming soon.
Custom LGBTQ Experiences for your Company 🌈
Custom LGBTQ Experiences for your Company 🌈
Custom private tours are fun, interactive ways to engage your colleagues both in the office and working remotely
The office environment is more bifurcated than ever and it’s challenging coming up with ways to celebrate Pride Month that engage everyone. That’s where Tours With Mike can help. I can create in-person tours, virtual experiences, or a combination of both for any sized company. We can do something based on the LGBTQ Stories concepts on this webpage or create something customized to your needs. All you have to do is fill out the form below, and then I will get back to you right away with a fun, interactive, experience for your company.
Unique Gift Idea 🌈
Unique Gift Idea 🌈
Get a Tours With Mike digital gift card for anyone interested in exploring Chicago
Whatever amount you select can flexibly go towards any public tour tickets or private tour experience