Openly Gay Spaces

With the increasing momentum of the gay liberation movement in the 1970s, many members of the gay community pushed to be more open with their identities and fought to create openly gay spaces. Since 1974, numerous openly gay businesses and organizations have opened, flourished, and fostered fun and community in Champaign County for residents, students, and out-of-towners. 

In the 1970s, Champaign’s gay scene attracted people from cities around the Midwest. From cities such as St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Chicago, gay people would travel to visit the gay bars in Champaign. 

Prominent physical spaces that have openly catered to the LGBTQ community in Champaign County have included:

  • The Balloon Saloon 
  • Giovanni's 
  • theBar 
  • Sambo's 
  • Chester Street (C-Street) 
  • The Moonlighter 
  • The Maxx 
  • Emerald City 
  • Uniting Pride of Champaign County 
  • Boltini's 
  • Anthem (Opened in 2023) 

Additionally, prominent LGBTQ newsletters have included:

  • Lavender Prairie News (1976-1992)
  • People Like Us (1986-1990)
  • Gay Community AIDS Project Newsletter (GCAP) (1986-2005)
  • Gay/Lesbian Prairie Press (1990-1991)
  • OUTpostings (1996-2000)
  • Prairie Flame (1996-2008)
  • Out & About Illinois (2009)
  • The Lavender Newsletter (2022-present)

The following sections feature a few prominent LGBTQ spaces that have existed in Champaign, specifically The Balloon Saloon, theBar, Chester Street, and Uniting Pride of Champaign County.

Please note: These lists are, in no way, comprehensive of all the spaces, groups, and publications by/about LGBTQ people in Champaign County. The highlighted spaces are included due to available materials and historical information. Do you have information we missed? We want to hear from you! Contact us at archives@urbanafree.org. 

Openly Gay Spaces