Growing Chicago Pride
A rise in attendance is estimated at Chicago’s Pride Parade.
While sitting at home during a global pandemic, it is easy to forget the enormous sense of unity that many have felt when present at large community events. Chicago’s Pride Parade has been a rallying point for the LGBTQ+ community for 50years now, since its debut on June 28th, 1970. Many have used this event to celebrate being themselves and connect with others that share similar identities.
Over the years, Pride has seen tremendous growth in attendance as the public acceptance of the gay community has grown. It started as a stirring political protest on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. The colors of our LGBTQ+ community have grown brighter ever since. In 2019, the parade walked three miles and had over one hundred and fifty parade floats and over a million attendants. This a world of change from the first grand display of Pride in the Chicagoland area.
“It feels amazing to be in an enviroement that’s so full of love and acceptance. I’ve gone twice, and it has always been something I look forward to every year. Pride has the largest turn out of possibly any other parade in Chicago that I’ve been to.” — Alex Alvarado
Once this pandemic ends, we can all safely return to the festivals that held us all together. If not, there are plans for virtual celebrations through Northalsted Events, and talk of an actual parade to reunited the community next year. Even though the darkest times everyone, should be able to enjoy the differences in humanity that keep life colorful.
