A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago is a chatty, opinionated guide to gay and lesbian life written by two longtime residents who have the scoop on where to stay, where to go, and what to do for big gay fun in the Windy City.

Every year thousands of gay and lesbian travelers visit Chicago for annual events such as the gay and lesbian pride parade (which attracted 450,000 participants and spectators in 2007), Northalsted Street Market Days, the International Mr. Leather competition, and the Coming Out Against Cancer lesbian ball. Many more come to the city for non-gay-specific reasons: to visit family and friends, to sightsee, to attend conventions at McCormick Place—the world’s biggest convention center—or to take in a trade show at the Merchandise Mart. Up until now, no guidebook existed addressing the specific needs and interests of these travelers.

A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago is the first and only book to give gay and lesbian travelers the inside scoop on gay-friendly accommodations, shopping, sports and recreation, music, theater, dining, and nightlife in the Windy City. Topics covered in the guide include transportation, safety, Chicago’s gay history, the “gayborhoods,” bars and nightlife, sightseeing, and sex.

“Straights beware! This is another salvo in the culture wars to turn us all gay. Whether you’re on leave from the Marines or in town for the regional meeting of the Republican National Committee, you’ll find astonishingly good advice about restaurants, a sensible guide to shopping and activities, and such compelling  descriptions of gay bars and clubs that you’ll want to try them yourself, no kidding”

—Ira Glass, "This American Life"

“Bergquist and McDonald are terrific travel companions. They are beyond knowledgeable, familiar with everything from Chicago’s gay history to the best bar to wear leather if you are hairy and over 55. They are also extremely entertaining and funny. Above all, Bergquist and McDonald are non-judgmental and know where to find whatever one is ‘into.’

A Field Guide to Gay & Lesbian Chicago is such a gem and so full of things to see and places to go, it would take one a year to see it all. No stone has been unturned here. With chapters devoted to shopping, clubs, sports, gay history, social services, and support groups, this Field Guide is a must read for anyone thinking of visiting the Windy City. Hopefully, Bergquist and McDonald will write similar books for other gay-friendly cities.... hint, hint.”