Chicago for single gay men in their forties: what to do/where to go/who to meet? (appointed, transplants)

[MSWTEBO]

Originally Posted by bostonguy1960

Maybe even volunteer, if you have time, for gay or gay-friendly organizations.

That is a great idea indeed! Thanks!

[quigboto]

Originally Posted by MSWTEBO

First of all, thanks in advance for all your help.
I will be moving to Chicago soon, and I am interested in knowing what you guys and gals recommend for a gay man in his forties who'd like to make friends and have things to do in the city. I am genuinely interested in making friends (this is not about sex or even romance); in order to start building a circle of friends, where would one go? I know, sounds kinda pathetic, right?

No, seriously, it can't hurt to ask.

Not crazy about clubs or bars (even in my twenties I was never fond of them). But besides those, where else would gay men and women (and their gay-friendly allies) meet to make friends and socialize?

Thanks!

Another suggestion I can offer besides Meetup/Meet In, is taking a class somewhere, like Second City or Old Town School of Folk music. I've met a lot of really great people through those organizations. Overall I've found Chicago to be an easy place to meet people and make friends, so don't be intimidated!
Good luck!

[reneeh63]

Originally Posted by Freefall18

Lots of older gay people (both men and women) hang out at various places in Edgewater/Andersonville. You might want to check that area out.

More gay guys in E. Lakeview - "Boystown" area and lots of bars, shops, places to hang out.

[MSWTEBO]

Originally Posted by quigboto

Another suggestion I can offer besides Meetup/Meet In, is taking a class somewhere, like Second City or Old Town School of Folk music. I've met a lot of really great people through those organizations. Overall I've found Chicago to be an easy place to meet people and make friends, so don't be intimidated!
Good luck!

Another fantastic idea; thanks a lot! I've always wanted to take an acting class (not because of any acting aspirations, but because I think those skills could come in handy when I substitute teach!).
I also would like to learn another language.

Thanks for wishing me luck!!!

Originally Posted by reneeh63

More gay guys in E. Lakeview - "Boystown" area and lots of bars, shops, places to hang out.

I may not care about bars, but I can certainly appreciate Boystown's other gay-friendly attractions, like the Center on Halsted and some of the cool places to shop like Boystown T’s and Collectibles (formerly "Gaymart").

Thanks!!

[marothisu]

The biggest LGBT areas of the city are Boystown, Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Andersonville. However, there's a lot in many parts of the city. It's not like it's just centered in one area. Downtown for example might only have a few gay bars, but there's still a good presence I think. I have a number of gay friends in their upper 30s and lower 40s who live in Gold Coast and River North, amongst other areas like the ones already mentioned. I have a few friends who have used Grindr as a way to make friends - of course they were on it for dates, but they ended up with really good friends.

And in general just meeting anybody of course something that's centered around a common interest will almost always be better than a bar. There's tons of things to do in the city besides drinking

[MSWTEBO]

Originally Posted by marothisu

The biggest LGBT areas of the city are Boystown, Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Andersonville. However, there's a lot in many parts of the city. It's not like it's just centered in one area. Downtown for example might only have a few gay bars, but there's still a good presence I think. I have a number of gay friends in their upper 30s and lower 40s who live in Gold Coast and River North, amongst other areas like the ones already mentioned.

And in general just meeting anybody of course something that's centered around a common interest will almost always be better than a bar. There's tons of things to do in the city besides drinking

Thanks a lot!

[mjtinmemphis]

I used social media like adam4adam and have had much luck in meeting high quality people. I've known some to have luck meeting people at "special interest" classes. Try some of the cooking classes at like Whole Foods and farmers markets are usual good too.

[MSWTEBO]

Originally Posted by mjtinmemphis

I used social media like adam4adam and have had much luck in meeting high quality people. I've known some to have luck meeting people at "special interest" classes. Try some of the cooking classes at like Whole Foods and farmers markets are usual good too.

Question: isn't Adam for Adam for casual sex? I could swear I've heard a friend mention it and say it's a hook-up place...

The cooking class idea is awesome! Thanks!

[mjtinmemphis]

Originally Posted by MSWTEBO

Question: isn't Adam for Adam for casual sex? I could swear I've heard a friend mention it and say it's a hook-up place...

The cooking class idea is awesome! Thanks!

It depends on how you word your posts. Say exactly what you are looking for and see what happens. It worked for me along BGC live. Though, I have not had the same luck in St. Louis over the past year and a half.

Cooking is a common hobbie of many singles gay or straight. It isnt expensive but you do meet a lot of young professionals.

[Bendo]

I agree with Bostonguy1960 here. Do some volunteer stuff in the community and you'll meet others that are like minded, sexuality aside. I would think there are online communities for gay men in the area too (maybe Facebook group or something if you're on there).