The Gold Coast (Chicago Leather Bar/1958-1987/Artwork by Dom Orejudos aka Etienne) gay leather bar ” Simple

” Simple

At a time when pop stars were expected to play nice

it was a mix of mystery and hospitality — tiled corridors

United Film Distribution made promo shirts for Dawn of the Dead

The Gold Coast (Chicago Leather Bar/1958-1987/Artwork by Dom Orejudos aka Etienne) gay leather bar ” SimpleOpened in 1958 by the legendary Chuck Renslow, the Gold Coast was Chicagos first leather barand one of the first in the world. Tucked into the basement of the now famous Mans Country complex, it set the standard for leather culture with its strict dress codes, dark corners, and bold celebration of gay masculinity. A true pioneer, the bar helped launch the International Mr. Leather contest and shaped queer nightlife for generations. Gold Coast closed