Queer Bar Could Soon Launch at Major U.S. Airport

https://boutique-lgbtqia.com/queer-bar-could-soon-launch-at-major-u-s-airport Queer Bar Could Soon Launch at Major U.S. Airport

Chicago O’Hare Airport May Welcome Its First Gay Bar

Chicago O’Hare International Airport — one of the busiest travel hubs in the United States — could soon make history by hosting its first gay bar within its terminals. Renowned restaurateur Germán González has proposed opening a new outpost of Sidetrack, the iconic LGBTQ+ bar that has been a mainstay in Chicago’s nightlife scene for decades. As reported by the Chicago Tribune, the proposed location for the new venue is Terminal 1, which serves tens of millions of travelers annually.

A Major Step for LGBTQ+ Visibility in Air Travel

Art Johnston, who co-owns Sidetrack with his husband José “Pepe” Peña, highlighted the powerful symbolism behind the project. “This kind of visibility is meaningful — showing not only that we’ve thrived in Chicago, but that we’ve contributed to the city’s success,” Johnston said. “We’ve helped make this city stronger. So why not share that energy and community spirit with the world?”

Sidetrack’s Evolution: From Local Bar to Cultural Institution

Sidetrack first opened its doors in 1982 as a one-room neighborhood bar. Over the last four decades, it has expanded into a multi-level venue with more than eight unique spaces and a total capacity of around 1,000 guests. Today, it's not just known for its vibrant nightlife — it's also recognized as a hub for LGBTQ+ community organizing and advocacy in Chicago.

Changing Perceptions Through Presence

Johnston admitted that he and Peña were both surprised and moved by the proposal. “We were totally blown away by the idea,” he said. “Think about how many people pass through this airport every single day. They’ll walk by and see a gay bar — and they'll realize we’re just regular people. We don’t have horns, we’re not trying to 'convert' anyone. We just want to create community.”

A Voice for Trans Inclusion and LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Sidetrack has long stood on the front lines of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2023, the bar took a public stand in support of trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who faced widespread backlash after partnering with Bud Light. In response to the controversy, Sidetrack issued a powerful statement on Instagram condemning the beer brand’s handling of the situation. “By abandoning the campaign and silencing those involved, Bud Light empowered anti-LGBTQ+ activists. The company chose to turn its back on trans visibility,” the statement read.

In protest, Sidetrack announced it would stop serving Anheuser-Busch products until the company took real steps to show tangible support for the LGBTQ+ community.

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