Colorful floats featuring live DJs, street performers and famous mascots paraded through the Northalsted neighborhood as attendees cheered from behind barricades during Chicago’s 54th annual Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29.
The parade began at 11 a.m. at the intersection of West Sheridan Road and North Broadway Street, as participating groups started to walk through the city streets.
After an Instagram post that Mayor Brandon Johnson made on Friday about keeping this year’s festivities a “safe, fun celebration for all,” he made an appearance during the parade to show support for Chicago’s queer community.
With a renewed focus on community, this year’s theme was “United in Pride” to uplift local organizations and volunteers that make Pride possible.
The sound of pipes revved up by lesbian motorcyclists from non-profit organization Chicago Dykes on Bikes drowned out the cheering from the crowd, as the parade moved south on Halsted Street towards Belmont Avenue.
This year, TaskForce Prevention & Community Services, an organization focused on health and wellness for LGBTQ+ youth located on the west side of Chicago, led the parade to celebrate its decades of dedicated service.
The organization provides essential resources, advocacy, and support to LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those in underserved communities.
While the celebration radiated joy and unity, it also served as a powerful reminder of the challenges the LGBTQ+ community continues to face.
In recent years, legislative and executive actions have targeted LGBTQ+ rights, with particular hostility toward transgender individuals.
During both his first and current terms, President Donald Trump’s administration has rolled back essential protections, including banning gender-affirming care for minors and eliminating federal recognition of nonbinary identities.
These policies, along with rhetoric that marginalizes LGBTQ+ individuals, have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for many.
First-time attendee Sam Santana, a Columbia alum who finished his BFA in film and television after the fall semester last year, said that it was great to be in a community that is so inviting, especially to allies like him.
“I think it’s more important now than ever, especially with everything going on,” Santana said. “I think we have to show our support, stand up against everything that’s been happening with the current administration.”
Ella Hazzard, a student researcher from Champaign in Central Illinois, came to the festival to meet with friends and celebrate the occasion. She previously attended pride parades from other states and said that the difference here is noticeable.
“Everyone here seems very slay, very big community and a lot more music around,” Hazzard said.
Standing near a gas station eating a cheeseburger, Harold De Jesus, another attendee, had a Puerto Rican flag in Pride colors hanging from his backpack.
He said he felt worried on the way to the parade as a result of the current political climate, which made it more important to him to celebrate Pride.
“We can’t let people drag us backwards, we will pull them forwards kicking and screaming no matter what,” said De Jesus.
With a pink bamboo parasol in hand and wearing a rainbow dress, Liliana Rodriguez continued her tradition of attending the parade annually.
She said that Chicago has always felt welcoming no matter one’s identity as well as how present the community is.
“It feels so validated to be in a safe space here where this is where we belong,”
Rodriguez said.
Everett Gonzalez, who was wearing heart-shaped pride earrings, said it’s important to invite people to be a part of the conversation because hate and ignorance can be unlearned.
“It can be challenged, and it can be taught that there is love, that we’re just people, we’re humans,” said Gonzalez, who also was celebrating his birthday this weekend.
Claire Gagen and Juan Santos, who are both from Chicago, said they came to the parade to celebrate like many others. For Santos, he said this was one of the few times he was able to explore his identity outside of family.
“You see people being out and just being free, which I think is very important in these times, instead of being in fear,” Santos said.
Sunny Dror, who regularly attended Pride Fest, which took place last weekend, said it was their first time attending the parade.
They said that they felt the energy as electric because of how loudly proud everyone is along with the presence of many with their families. This felt important to them given the current climate in the country.
“Just continue being yourself no matter what happens, and to have community,” said Dror.
Copy edited by Emma Jolly
