LGBTQ-Friendly: Resident Describes Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Justin O'Sullivan used to live in Chicago, but three years ago, he and his husband moved to Western Springs.

In an interview this week, O'Sullivan said he has friends in the city who believe the suburbs aren't as friendly to the LGBTQ community. But O'Sullivan said that is not the case.

"People are extremely warm, welcoming and friendly. Those are the words I would highlight the most," he said.

O'Sullivan, a real estate agent, said he was proud when the Western Springs Village Board last month adopted resolutions marking Pride Month and Juneteenth. He even spoke in favor of them at the meeting.

He said he would like to think a Pride light display at downtown Western Springs' Foxford Station, where he lives, played a role in inspiring the Pride resolution.

The building overlooks Village Hall, with the lights receiving many positive comments from the community.

"They were very visible. Maybe too visible. We may have to tone them down a bit," O'Sullivan said.

He said he and his husband are the only LGBTQ couple living in the building.

"There are not a lot of LGBTQ couples in the 'burbs," he said.

He said the LGBTQ community should consider suburban Chicago as a place to live.

Over the last couple of years, some see LGBTQ rights as eroding in the United States, especially with the rhetoric of some politicians.

But O'Sullivan said that doesn't seem to have had an effect in the western suburbs, particularly Western Springs, Hinsdale, La Grange, Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook, Indian Head Park and other nearby towns.

"I don't see it at all," he said.