The First Chicago Pride Parade
The origins of the Chicago Pride Parade can be traced back to the Stonewall riots in 1969, which sparked the global gay rights movement. Organized on June 27, 1970, the first Chicago Pride Parade started as a modest, yet purposeful march from Washington Square Park to the Water Tower, ultimately reaching the Civic Center. It was a defining moment for the LGBTQ+ community of Chicago, as, for the first time, people came together to advocate for their rights and visibility.
The Pride Parade Grows
Initially, the parade took place exclusively in the Lakeview East neighborhood. However, with increasing participation and support from the community, the parade route had to be expanded to accommodate the growing crowds. In recent years, the Chicago Pride Parade has extended its outreach to the Uptown neighborhood, beginning at the corner of Broadway and Montrose, and continuing through Belmont, Halsted, Broadway, and Lincoln Park.
Milestones
Over the years, the Chicago Pride Parade has hosted numerous special guests and celebratory moments. In 2009, the parade marked its 40th anniversary, drawing over 500,000 spectators.
In 2011, the parade continued to grow, with over 800,000 attendees and 250 entries. This massive turnout prompted a reorganization of the parade route for the following year. Since 2013, the Chicago Pride Parade has consistently attracted over one million attendees each year, making it one of the largest Pride parades worldwide.
