GLBT Center draws young, ethnic crowd, and clash with surrounding Chicago community
“They are loud. They are exuberant. It’s a real tribute to the neighborhood that these kids feel they can come and be safe. They say, ‘I can’t do it on the South Side and the West Side. I can’t do it in Pilsen.’ … [They’re] just kids.”
Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Illinois focusing on success of Chicago’s Center on Halsted. The Center is said to be at capacity for services. And the visibility of black and Latino youth hanging around outside is causing concern among some of the mostly-white neighborhood’s businesses. Some hustling and drug trade is said to occur. (Chicago Sun Times)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
