Chicago Gay Pride Parade - Overview:
My all-time favorite memory from Chicago's Gay Pride parade is from the time a huge Mack truck inched its way down Halsted. It was so wide it could barely make it down the street without picking off spectators. The driver laid on the horn in long, crowd-shaking blasts. Across its grill, a giant sign read "GOD DOES NOT HATE." There were also some guys in leather hanging off of it.
That, friends, is Chicago's Gay Pride Parade in a nutshell. Since 1969, our LGBT community celebrates Pride Month on the last Sunday in June with this exuberant parade.
Related: Pride Fest | Pride Month - Top Picks
That, friends, is Chicago's Gay Pride Parade in a nutshell. Since 1969, our LGBT community celebrates Pride Month on the last Sunday in June with this exuberant parade.
Related: Pride Fest | Pride Month - Top Picks
Chicago Gay Pride Parade - Date:
Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 12 noon.
Chicago Gay Pride Parade - Parade Starting Point:
Halsted and Belmont
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Chicago Gay Pride Parade - Parade Route:
North on Halsted to Broadway
South on Broadway to Diversey
South on Broadway to Diversey
Chicago Gay Pride Parade - Parade Ending Point:
Diversey and Cannon Drive
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Chicago Gay Pride Parade - Grand Marshal:
Alexandra Billings
Statement excerpt about Ms. Billings from the Parade Committee:
"This year, in commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion wherein gays, lesbians, bisexuals - and especially transgender community members fought back at a police raid - it is especially fitting that Alexandra, a transgender woman be Grand Marshal. Alexandra and her wife, Chrisanne Blankenship who were married in Chicago in the mid-1990's, were recently re-married in California, their present home. An obvious proponent of marriage for LGBTs, she is adamant about her views on the issue of marriage."
Statement excerpt about Ms. Billings from the Parade Committee:
"This year, in commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion wherein gays, lesbians, bisexuals - and especially transgender community members fought back at a police raid - it is especially fitting that Alexandra, a transgender woman be Grand Marshal. Alexandra and her wife, Chrisanne Blankenship who were married in Chicago in the mid-1990's, were recently re-married in California, their present home. An obvious proponent of marriage for LGBTs, she is adamant about her views on the issue of marriage."
Chicago Gay Pride Parade - Television Coverage:
The parade is not broadcast live, but often a local TV station records the parade and broadcasts excerpts. Check back closer to parade date for more information.
Tips for Attending Chicago's Gay Pride Parade:
More than half a million spectators descend on Chicago's "Boys Town" for the parade, so planning helps.
- New in 2009 are parade barricades that will line both sides of the streets. Parade attendees will be required to stand behind the barricades, so no more dancing in the streets.
- Bring lots of fluids to stay hydrated. The day is often very hot and you may not feel like fighting the crowds to buy some.
- Wear sunscreen to avoid risking skin cancer and looking like a tomato.
- Stake out a vantage point early unless you like roaming the parade. If so, good luck to you.
- No mega squirt-guns/super soakers.