Queer Chicago's Best Beaches for Fashionable Photo Ops

Chicago’s South Shore and Northerly Island aren’t just havens for sun-seekers—they’re fashionistas’ playgrounds. As I stand at the edge of Jackson Park, camera in hand, a breeze carries the salty air, and the first rays of afternoon sunlight dance across the water. This is where the city's queer scene meets its most fashionable moments. Why this matters? In Chicago, as everywhere else, beaches are more than just places to bask; they’re where identities are reclaimed and celebrated. For LGBTQ+ folks, especially those a world that can still be too often chilly, these shores offer an opportunity to embrace who we are with the boldness of our best outfits. It’s about visibility, about showing up in the way we want to be seen. And sometimes, it's about proving that fashion isn’t just for the runway—it’s where we express ourselves. Let’s start with Northerly Island. This man-made gem is a bit like an island in the city itself, offering a slice of privacy amidst the bustling skyline. The beach here is part of the McCormick Foundation Trail, which runs along the lakefront and connects to other parks. On any given day, you’ll find folks lounging on blankets, taking selfies with the skyline as their backdrop. My friend Jamie, a local fashionista, shared a quote that sums up why it’s worth visiting: “Northerly Island is where you can be both yourself and your best self all at once.” But Northerly Island isn’t the only game in town. South Shore Beach, located along the edge of Burnham Park, offers a different kind of allure. It’s more rugged, with waves that roll in with an energy of their own. The beach here is less frequented by tourists, which means you can find a quieter spot to catch some rays and snap photos without feeling like everyone is staring at your latest ensemble. One regular, Alex, shared this piece of advice: “It’s all about the vibe. You come here for peace, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.” The contrast between these two beaches isn’t just geographical; it’s cultural too. Northerly Island feels like a curated space where people are constantly dressing up and photographing themselves, almost as if they’re performing their identities. South Shore, on the other hand, has a more laid-back vibe. It’s not about being seen so much as it is about finding a moment of solitude while still looking your best. There’s also the issue of accessibility. While Northerly Island can be busy and crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, South Shore offers a bit more room to move around and find that perfect spot for a photo op. The downside? It might mean a longer walk from parking spots or public transportation, but the payoff is definitely worth it. For those looking to follow in Jamie’s footsteps (or better yet, their fashionista steps), there are local boutiques like Brite Street Vintage in Pilsen and The Latch in Logan Square that offer unique pieces perfect for these beach outings. Instagram handles like @chicagofashionqueers and @queerbeacheschicago provide daily inspiration with photos of queer folks in vibrant, expressive outfits, proving that style isn’t just about the clothing but how you wear it. So, if you’re planning your next beach day in Chicago, don’t just grab a towel. Grab a camera too—this is where fashion meets freedom and identity. Whether you choose Northerly Island’s glamour or South Shore’s serenity, there’s always a photo opportunity waiting for you. Chicago isn't just a city; it's a canvas for all of us to paint our lives in bold strokes. And at the beach, we get to do that with our outfits. Moving from South Shore Beach to Soldier Field, another iconic spot for LGBTQ+ events, I found a new dimension of style and identity. The field’s grandeur, once a venue for football games and now home to numerous Pride parades, has a unique charm that resonates with those who dress up in their finest outfits for the annual Chicago LGBT Parade. This year, as I walked through the bustling crowd on parade day, I caught a glimpse of Alex, the same person I’d spoken to at South Shore Beach, wearing an eye-catching outfit that perfectly balanced boldness and subtlety—piercing green sunglasses paired with a structured trench coat and a vibrant red lipstick. Alex explained, “It’s all about making a statement, but also feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the day.” The energy was electric, with people from all walks of life coming together in celebration, each expressing their unique sense of style. The intersection between fashion and activism at Soldier Field is profound. During Pride events, local designers and boutiques come together to showcase LGBTQ+ themed collections, often inspired by the city’s rich cultural heritage. One such boutique, Queer Threads, has become a favorite among parade-goers for its rainbow-colored dresses and suits adorned with pride flags. Owner Sarah Thompson shared, “Fashion is not just about self-expression; it’s also a way to bring people together and advocate for our community.” The store’s vibrant displays of clothing filled with messages of love and acceptance reflect the spirit of Soldier Field itself. As I left Soldier Field, the sun began to set over Lake Michigan, casting a golden glow across the city. This evening light was another opportunity for fashion and identity, as people moved from Soldier Field towards the beachfronts, continuing their celebration into the night. The contrast between day and night, formal attire at Soldier Field and casual wear on the beaches, highlighted how Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community uses style to navigate various social spaces seamlessly. Back at South Shore Beach the next morning, I witnessed Jamie lounging under a canopy of trees, her outfit perfectly complementing the serene atmosphere. She said, “Every beach offers its own story of fashion and identity. Some days, it’s about making waves; other days, it’s about finding peace.” This cycle of daily expression at different locations mirrors how Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community thrives by embracing multiple facets of their identity—whether they’re partaking in a parade or basking on a beach. The city’s diverse and vibrant beach scenes are more than just places to catch some sun; they serve as stages where identities are celebrated, stories are shared, and communities come together. For the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago, fashion is not just about aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool for reclaiming space and asserting their presence in a world that often seeks to diminish them.