Crowds formed throughout the Northalsted neighborhood dressed in everything from rainbows and rhinestones to leather and latex on Sunday, June 29.
Chicago’s Pride Parade began as a protest in 1970 following the Stonewall Riots in New York City. In the time surrounding Stonewall, LGBTQ+ individuals were arrested on the basis of laws that criminalized fashion choices, including cross-dressing.
Drag queens, transgender individuals and gender-nonconforming people faced persecution for wearing clothing that was deemed inappropriate for their perceived gender. As such, queer people have often used clothing as a means of expression, and that remains true even now.
Today, despite gaining several rights since the 70s, LGBTQ+ communities continue to face challenges as the Trump administration has recently signed executive orders that target transgender individuals. This includes officially recognizing only two sexes and erasing federal recognition of transgender and nonbinary people. The administration has also eliminated anti-discrimination protections in employment, education, housing and healthcare.
The American Civil Liberties Union is currently tracking the status of 598 anti-LGBTQ+ bills within the United States that have originated in 2025 alone.
Despite these increasing challenges, the streets were filled with excitement and bold clothing that allowed attendees to truly express themselves.
Some parade participants wore elaborate headdresses, rainbow wings, and cultural symbols that show the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity with other communities.
Along the parade route, political statements can be seen from “Trans Power” to “No Pride in Genocide,” referencing the rights of transgender people and the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
The parade showcased the Chicago LGBTQ+ community’s resilience and visibility through fashion, which was just one way in which participants and attendees alike were “United in Pride.”
Copy edited by Vanessa Orozco
