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A rainbow-clad crowd filled the sidewalks in the heart of the Lake View neighborhood Sunday for the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade.
And despite a shorter route and fewer floats, the celebration that capped Pride Month was as joyful and vibrant as in years past.
“It’s just a good time,” said Christina Muñoz, who came from Berwyn to watch the parade with friends.
Parade organizers decided to scale back this year’s celebration, shortening the route and reducing the number of floats from 200 to 150 for safety reasons and because of limited municipal resources.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) sent more officers to Sunday’s parade and to the surrounding area for post-parade celebrations.
The department also assigned more officers late at night after the celebration, which has seen large crowds taking to the streets and some violent crime in recent years.
Several parade-goers told the Sun-Times they hadn’t noticed any difference and would prefer a shorter parade if it meant everyone could be safe.
“Safety is very important. So they had to do what they had to do,” Muñoz said. “But I don’t really notice the difference — it’s still Pride.”
The parade began at 11 a.m., just as the sun was breaking through the clouds, at the intersection of Sheridan and Broadway. It then continued south through Lake View and ended at Diversey Parkway and Cannon Drive.
The floats represented LGBTQ+ groups like Equality Illinois and the Center on Halsted, local sports teams with their mascots, and businesses like Jewel-Osco and Smirnoff. The Legacy Project, which highlights LGBTQ+ historical figures, displayed signs with the faces of Michelangelo, Walt Whitman, and Frida Kahlo.
Nettelhorst and Near North Montessori schools also participated in the parade. These schools are among those that usually participate in the parade, but were initially denied participation this year. In April, PRIDEChicago, which organizes the parade, quickly reversed that decision.
A ‘love party’
Pro-Palestinian protesters briefly interrupted the parade at Broadway and Barry Avenue. They held a sign that read, “9 minutes of silence for 9 months of genocide.” After the nine minutes were up, Chicago Police officers escorted them off the street.
The rally took place in front of a float at Sidetrack, a gay bar on the north side of Halsted Street. The float’s presenter noted that Pride is a celebration that has its roots in protest.
“Thank you, protesters,” the host said. “Let’s remember that Pride started as a protest. We can protest and celebrate together.”
The crowd cheered and the parade resumed. Later, a large group of pro-Palestinian activists marched in the parade.
Carol Burnett has been selling items at every Pride Parade for 10 years. She sold miniature and full-sized Pride flags, rainbow necklaces and leis.
“I love all the excitement,” said Burnett, who wore a Pride flag over her shoulders and a rainbow flower crown on her head.
“People are very happy and very kind. It is a celebration of love,” he added.
Simon Truesdale, 24, lives in Lake View, just around the corner from the parade route. He is originally from Virginia, and Sunday was his second Pride Parade.
“It still feels amazing, like the first time,” she said, beaming and waving the pink, blue and white trans flag.
“Before, gay people didn’t feel safe walking down the street. Now we can celebrate this massive parade. It’s really a reminder of the achievements we’ve made.”
Sam Alfassa, 29, and Jordan Galarnean, 26, cheered as a group of motorcycles rode down Broadway. Alfassa and Galarnean became friends after meeting through Alfassa’s partner.
“The bikes are my favourite every year. They really liven up the crowd,” said Alfassa.
Mark Gershman, 61, had no plans to attend the parade. He was in the neighborhood for lunch at a friend’s house who encouraged him to participate in the parade.
“I’ve been to a lot of parades,” said Gershman, who attended her first Pride Parade in 1984, riding on a bar float.
“But this is so much fun that I’m really glad I came.”
Translated by Gisela Orozco for The Voice Chicago
