While Chicago has long established itself as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the country, it's still fun to get all dressed up and celebrate pride every June. Find some of the city's top pride events here.
1. Gay Day at Six Flags - Monday, June 1
From 10am to 8pm, it's gay day at Great America. Sponsored by Gay Chicago Magazine.2. 30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes - Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6
Courtesy of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind unveils their 2009 Pride edition.
3. Torchsong Convention - Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7
The Donald E. Stephens Convention center hosts this showcase of torch song singers and supporters including John Barrowman, Carole E. Barrowman, Kai Owen, Gareth David-Lloyd, Mark Sheppard, Tom Price.4. Ride for AIDS - Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7
This 2-day, 180-mile bike ride raises funds for worthy LGBT causes. This year's beneficiaries include six organizations: About Face Theatre, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, BEHIV, South Side Help Center, TPAN, and Vital Bridges.
5. Pride Show at Prairie Avenue Gallery - Opens Sunday, June 7
Prairie Avenue Gallery, at 1900 South Prairie Avenue, opens its pride show of photography, painting, and illustration from noon to 4 p.m. Show will be open Saturday June 13 and Sunday, June 14 as well as Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 from noon to 3 p.m. Closed pride weekend, but open every Saturday and Sunday in July. (312) 907-79096. Stonewall Round Table Discussion - Thursday, June 11
The Center on Halsted hosts this reflection and discussion about Stonewall.The panel includes Gloria Allen, a transgender woman living in New York during the riots; Lott Hill, Director, Center for Teaching Excellence at Columbia College; Patrick Sinozich, Artistic Director of Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus; Monte Staton, a doctoral candidate at Loyola and a Gerber/Hart volunteer; Vernita Gray activist, Center on Halsted’s SAGE Advisory Council; and June LaTrobe Center on Halsted’s Transgender Community Liaison.
7. The Laramie Project - Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 21
This play, drawn from hundreds of interviews in Wyoming following the heartbreaking death of Matthew Shepard, will be staged at Chicago Heights community theater. The Drama Group is believed to be one of the oldest volunteer community theaters in the nation.
8. Windy City Gay Idol Finals - Saturday, June 13
The 7th Annual Gay Idol finals land at Sidetrack to crown this year's winner.