hey chicago!
I am planning on moving from Seattle to Chicago this next summer, and have doing a bit of research in terms of poking around the Newcity website, doing some general research on the history of Chicago,and that kind of thing.
I'm pretty brand-new to Chicago, I just visited last summer and fell in love with it, and am departing from several generations of Seattle, so I don't have much context for the history of Chicago/local cultural references.
A bit about me: I'm in my early twenties, graduated not too long ago with a degree in media studies, did a year in americorps, am currently trying to get into the nonprofit world in Seattle, and am looking to go back to school soonish to get a degree in counseling.
So, here's what I'm hoping to find out before I get there:
-exciting ways to hook up with the queer community in Chicago-fun events/workshops/things I simply must know about in terms of where the community-building happens, and places to meet people that aren't just bars
-places to meet people who are into all kinds of crafty/diy stuff
-are there books I can read/websites to peruse that can get me up to speed on Chicago in general? The research I've been doing tends to be a bit broad and if there are any good guides to the city that are geared toward people moving rather than tourists, I'd love to hear about any of your favorites.
-your input on neighborhoods. I know this question gets raised a lot, but here's where I'm coming from: I grew up in a really fantastic, super-diverse what might be described as rough-ish area of seattle that's being gentrified right now. When I moved back after college, I moved to the 'gay neighborhood' which in a number of aspects is just where a lot of people my age hang out anyhow. I love the proximity to bars/movie theatres/restaurants/things to do, and I don't have a car and really like being able to walk/bike/take public transit anywhere I need/want to go. So, that is my conflict-because I love living in neighborhoods that have more families/are more diverse, but I also love being in close proximity to whatever-all is going on.
Also, the time I spent in Chicago was in Andersonville and I have a big crush on it. So, any input would be fantastic.
-anything else you think might be helpful/fun given all the previous information?
thanks!
I'm pretty brand-new to Chicago, I just visited last summer and fell in love with it, and am departing from several generations of Seattle, so I don't have much context for the history of Chicago/local cultural references.
A bit about me: I'm in my early twenties, graduated not too long ago with a degree in media studies, did a year in americorps, am currently trying to get into the nonprofit world in Seattle, and am looking to go back to school soonish to get a degree in counseling.
So, here's what I'm hoping to find out before I get there:
-exciting ways to hook up with the queer community in Chicago-fun events/workshops/things I simply must know about in terms of where the community-building happens, and places to meet people that aren't just bars
-places to meet people who are into all kinds of crafty/diy stuff
-are there books I can read/websites to peruse that can get me up to speed on Chicago in general? The research I've been doing tends to be a bit broad and if there are any good guides to the city that are geared toward people moving rather than tourists, I'd love to hear about any of your favorites.
-your input on neighborhoods. I know this question gets raised a lot, but here's where I'm coming from: I grew up in a really fantastic, super-diverse what might be described as rough-ish area of seattle that's being gentrified right now. When I moved back after college, I moved to the 'gay neighborhood' which in a number of aspects is just where a lot of people my age hang out anyhow. I love the proximity to bars/movie theatres/restaurants/things to do, and I don't have a car and really like being able to walk/bike/take public transit anywhere I need/want to go. So, that is my conflict-because I love living in neighborhoods that have more families/are more diverse, but I also love being in close proximity to whatever-all is going on.
Also, the time I spent in Chicago was in Andersonville and I have a big crush on it. So, any input would be fantastic.
-anything else you think might be helpful/fun given all the previous information?
thanks!