Chicago could be the first city in the U.S. to have a gay bar in its airport. The idea originated from restaurateur Germn Gonzlez, who pitched the concept of bringing Chicago's most popular queer bar, Sidetracks, to O'Hare International Airport. He told the two owners, Art Johnston and his husband, Jos Pepe Pea, about the idea, and they loved it so much that they teamed up with Gonzlez to make it happen.The all-queer team feels that starting this project during Pride Month is a powerful statement to make, especially during the Trump administration's assault on LGBTQ+ rights. They initiated the process earlier this month, on June 5, by submitting a proposal to the city, in which they shared that Gonzlez's Somos Hospitality Group would oversee day-to-day operations, and Johnston and Pea would be the establishment's primary investors, sharing the licensing for the brand.Johnston, who is a longtime activist and philanthropist, told the Chicago Tribune that he feels adding the gay bar to the airport would "create ways for people to see gay people and see that not only have we done well in Chicago, we have thrived in Chicago." He added, "We have made this a better city, a stronger city, and why not show that to the world?For those who don't live in Chicago, Sidetracks has been operating for over four decades, opening its doors in 1982. Since then, the two-story bar has been a place for the LGBTQ+ people of the city to have fun on weekends, and also, as the Tribune writes, a community center for meetings, fundraisers, and celebrations, where powerful politicians, community leaders, and activists gather.According to the Tribune, the bar would be located in Terminal 1 at the airport, which served over 80 million people in 2024 alone. Johnston told the publication that he and his husband believe adding the bar is a step in the right direction, not just from a business perspective, but also for LGBTQ+ advocacy. "Pepe and I, were just blown away by the notion, knowing the number of people who pass through here every day who could see that there are (gay) bars here, where the people there dont have horns and tails, and were not trying to steal anybodys children," he said. "Were trying to live our lives and make life better for all of us."The city's decision is still months away, but for now, they will continue to make their case.