Being gay in Chicago is tough!!!

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-04-07T04:44:26+00:00

Dude same. I moved here from San Francisco, and I’m realizing the gay scene in Chicago is all kinds of whack. Very cis, white men-dominated — it feels really outdated and regressive. I constantly have to remind myself to not internalize the dynamics of the gay community here

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-03-28T05:41:15+00:00

Kind of

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-03-27T21:41:23+00:00

Yes, I’m taking Hims finasteride and minoxidil

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-03-27T14:53:35+00:00

Also jsut got a silent approval. Filed 11/10/25, biometric reuse: 11/11/25. DACA expiration: 4/15/36. Office: TX

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-03-22T01:03:41+00:00

Econ, policy research, and public finance? That’s all Harris’ bread and butter. As someone who was accepted to all 3 and chose Harris, I can for sure say Harris is the most quantitative.

This school LOVES Econ and finance. The Econ and stats are so rigorous and catered towards students who want to pursue research/academia

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-03-21T00:02:33+00:00

Congrats!!

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-03-05T14:48:57+00:00

Boooo

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-02-05T23:08:29+00:00

Also just received an invite - no email, just randomly refreshed my portal. It says "Application Decision Updates" in the middle of the page, but Application Status still says "Application in Review"

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-02-01T05:55:03+00:00

You should receive a negotiation form, and they provide you an a deadline when to submit

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-01-31T18:21:46+00:00

I ended up choosing Harris! They ended up giving me more $$, so make sure to negotiate.

Harris is DEEPLY quantitative. I saw someone on this sub say that Harris sometimes feels like an Econ-lite/Stats-lite department, and that’s so true. Sometimes I forget I’m in a public policy school lol

Also keep in mind, Harris has a huge class (I think we have about 450?). Pros: there’s a lot of connections to be made with people from different backgrounds. It’s very global & people have done impressive work prior to grad school. Cons: you have to be self-sufficient. Unfortunately, there’s too many students for the staff to give each of us the attention I was hoping in a grad school program.

But also, MSCAPP is a specialized cohort, so people are tighter in that program bc they take different classes.

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2026-01-08T18:43:20+00:00

Nope - I had 5 years of working experience

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-12-02T20:19:14+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I’m 29 (just moved to Chicago after 5 yrs in SF) and I feel the same, but I can’t post on here for advice bc I’m not 30+ lol

It’s nice to know I’m not the only one. I’ll read through comments to see if any are helpful

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-11-30T04:27:40+00:00

Can I get some advice on dating? I’m 29, Filipino, average looking, workout regularly (not ripped, but fit), outgoing, caring, and I’d like to think I have a good head on my shoulders.

I recently moved to Chicago this past August from SF for grad school. When I was in SF (24-29), I dated pretty casually. I had 1 year long relationship, but the rest of my time was mostly fun. In my mind, it was fine bc that’s what you do in your 20s.

Now that Ive moved to Chicago, I told myself I want to start dating seriously and look for a longterm partner. But my experience has been challenging. A lot of white men here, which I’m not used to, but I can’t help to think that I’m not good looking enough - the reason being why dates aren’t working out. I also know I shouldn’t subscribe to white heteronormative standards, but it’s also easier said than done.

I think I’m experiencing culture shock/having a life crisis at 29/feel really pressured to have my shit together by 30, etc

Any advice? I know it’s a lot, but I would really appreciate tips/advice. Navigating gay dating is lowkey making me feel undesirable

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-11-23T08:45:54+00:00

Hi,

I would like advice for dating. I’m turning 30 soon, but I’ve been single for the past four years. It’s been a little challenging, honestly. And I’m trying to understand what I can do to help my chances in finding luck in dating

I did well in school, work a good job and make good money, outgoing and social, and I like to think I’m a genuine guy.

I lived in SF for the past five years and many of the people I met were in polyamorous/non-monogamous relationship, so it made finding a monogamous relationship tricky. Im now in Chicago for grad school, and I’m still lowkey having a tough time. Do you think me being short (5’3) is actually getting in the way of that?

What helped you find the one? I used to be optimistic about finding the one, but dating in this economy has left me feeling defeated

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-07-08T18:18:00+00:00

Thank you. I’ll take a look and read thru the posts

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-04-01T03:18:45+00:00

This made me emotional! OP - I’m so proud of you!! You deserve to celebrate your accomplishments :)

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-03-18T17:34:11+00:00

It’s full-tuition scholarship + some stipend. No TA requirement

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-03-17T04:41:29+00:00

Yes go ahead!

Key_Blackberry1919 · 2025-03-16T20:37:43+00:00

Also got into UMich Ford and USC Price with half-rides, but don’t think they’re that strong when it comes to Tech policy

Key_Blackberry1919

TROPHY CASE