The 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade will take place Sunday afternoon, the culmination of the city’s Pride month celebrations.
The city’s parade is the biggest in the Midwest, and its history can be traced to the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a series of protests responding to a police raid of Stonewall Inn, a gay bar. Chicago’s first Pride march was held on the one-year anniversary of the protests.
Last year’s parade was dedicated to longtime parade organizer Richard Pfeiffer, who died in 2019. Pfeiffer was a member of Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and a prominent LGBTQ activist and leader.
This year, advocates said Pride celebrations are crucial during a time when political conversations about LGBTQ rights have become more hostile.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications expects large crowds on Sunday and advises attendees “stay vigilant” and report any suspicious activity to 911. Increased traffic is expected due to crowds and road closures.
Temperatures on Sunday will be in the high 80s and the OEMC is also reminding attendees to stay hydrated.
Parade coordinator Tim Frye said in terms of participants, this year’s parade is the largest in recent memory.
It’s also different because of the past year of anti-LGBTQ legislation that’s been introduced in many states across the country, which Frye said has brought some anxiety. But nearly every organization that participated last year returned for Sunday’s parade, along with new groups and organizations, he said.
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“There was just this anxious feeling but (returning participants) really wanted to be out and doing it,” Frye said.
Laurie Hannigan, a 60-year-old from Oak Park, hasn’t been to the Chicago Pride Parade in six years. She used to march with the Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association, in a float made from her pickup truck.
“It feels pretty good to be back,” Hannigan said. “I mean, I’m a little old to be marching this far but it’ll still be fun.”
Hannigan and her niece, 26-year-old Jocelyn Davidson from Elk Grove Village, are passing out Pedialyte to passersby during the parade. Davidson, who is bisexual, said it’s getting scary because of recent political attacks on the LGBTQ community, making it even more important to celebrate Pride this year.
“Pride should be a happy, welcoming place,” Davidson said.
Check back for updates.