Category Archives: Gay Pride
Private Night at Six Flags Sept. 8th
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2018 for Year 7!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Presented by Toyota & BestGayChicago.com
That Will Help Benefit Lakeside pride Music Ensemble
Saturday, September 8th, 2018 from 7:30PM to 12AM
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35% full!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year helping to benefit various non-profits.
For 2018, it will benefit LAKESIDE PRIDE MUSIC ENSEMBLE! “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”
It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.
Singer, songwriter, producer and DJ ADAM JOSEPH will be playing his music in JB’s bar for 2 hours at the event. Then he play again from 1am – 3am at CHARLIE’S, the Official After Party in Boystown. (Charlies will also be offering a limited number of bus seats to and from the park – details soon!
“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!” says Derrick Sorles.
Advance $43 tickets can be purchased NOW HERE
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event!
September 1st the price goes up to $48.
$53 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.
This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to ensure lines stay short for the rides.
Season Passes cannot be honored for special events.
All ages event.
Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Kenosha Pride July 15-17
3 days of pride in Kenosha!
Join us for the best Kenosha Pride yet!
The Pride March will begin organizing at Library Park in downtown Kenosha. We will begin around Noon with the March stepping off around 12:30 PM.
The Pride Party will begin at 1:00 PM with music by DJ Lomax. Entertainment for the day will include comedians, drag performances, and a band. There will be a Children’s Area with face painting and a bounce house. The Pride Party will be at Harbor Park Parcel A, the green space across from Trolley Dogs Restaurant on 6th Ave and 55th St. Facebook page HERE.
Navy Pier LGBT Event June 25th
“Navy Pier Pride 2016” Celebration Salutes Chicago’s LGBT Community
Chicago’s first-ever family Pride celebration outside of Lakeview
takes place at Navy Pier on Saturday, June 25
WOW!!! THIS IS BIG NEWS!
As it marks its 100th anniversary, Navy Pier will make Chicago history as it proudly hosts “Navy Pier Pride 2016,” the city’s first LGBT Pride celebration outside of the Lakeview neighborhood. This family-friendly event features entertainment and events throughout the Pier on Saturday, June 25. As part of the celebration, and for the first time in 28 years, Navy Pier is especially honored to display Chicago-centric sections of the internationally renowned The NAMES Project’s AIDS Memorial Quilt. All events for “Navy Pier Pride 2016” are free and open to the public, as part of the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration®.
As one of Chicago’s top cultural destinations, “Navy Pier Pride 2016” is one of Navy Pier’s new arts, cultural and community programming initiatives. In addition to a lively atmosphere and a pier adorned in rainbows, highlights of this special Pride day-long event will include (times are approximate):
Noon – About Face Theatre’s IT’S FOR REAL is a collection of stories that connects issues around race, class, sexuality, age, gender, self-esteem, and family. Based on the true experiences of the performers in the show.
· 1 p.m. – A kickoff parade, led by the Lakeside Pride Marching Band.
· 1:30 p.m. – Performances by the legendary MILLY’s ORCHID SHOW, featuring Brigid Murphy as “Milly” and with an entire cast of such celebrities as Yuri Lane (“The Harmonica Beatbox Man”) and introducing rising gay icon, his 8-year old daughter, Delilah Rose, along with Alexa Grae, Robert Cornelius (former member of the group, “Poi Dog Pondering”), House-O-Matic, and many others.
· 5 p.m. – “Chicago’s Biggest Wedding,” officiated by Angelica Ross (a leading figure in the movement for transgender and racial equality, and star of the hit series, “Her Story”). Make history with us and your loved one, as we hold a massive marriage ceremony on The Pier.
· 7 p.m. – For outdoor dancing, with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, join house music superstar and Grammy Award-nominated producer, DJ RALPHI ROSARIO, in the Miller Lite Beer Garden.
· 10:15 p.m. –Guests will observe a moment of reflection to honor those lost in the tragic events in Orlando, followed by a celebration of life with a special Pride-themed fireworks spectacular.
Another historic and moving part of the day is the return of The NAMES Project’s AIDS Memorial Quilt. The much-celebrated Quilt began to take shape in 1987 with a single 3 x 6 foot panel created in San Francisco. Today, it weighs 54 tons and is composed of more than 48,000 individual panels, each one commemorating the life of someone who was lost to AIDS. In 1988, Navy Pier became one of the first venues nationally to put The Quilt on public display.
“Throughout its 100-year history, Navy Pier has led the way in demonstrating compassion and commitment, while celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. Welcoming people of all backgrounds is at the heart of Navy Pier’s core values. We are, truly, ‘the People’s Pier,’” said Marilynn Gardner, President and Chief Executive Officer for Navy Pier, Inc., the non-profit organization that operates Navy Pier. “We believe ‘Navy Pier Pride 2016’ will be an event that embraces the ideals of respect, tolerance, love, and inclusiveness.”
“Navy Pier Pride 2016” has been in the planning stages for months and is one of the initial projects as part of Navy Pier’s bold, new Arts & Discovery programming initiative. Leading the vision and direction of this 18-month Arts and Discovery strategic planning initiative is Navy Pier’s leadership team, consultants from Dickerson Global Advisors, as well as more than 100 Chicago non-profit arts and culture organizations. Navy Pier’s cultural and community programming is supported by the Polk Bros. Foundation.
Recently appointed Guest Artistic Director, Steve Abrams, brings creative leadership and vision to the first series of Arts and Discovery programs. The programs launch this summer as a pilot initiative. As a driving force in Chicago’s diverse cultural landscape for the last three decades, Abrams brings an innovative arts background to Navy Pier. His prior experience includes senior and executive leadership roles at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance at Millennium Park, and producing numerous theatrical productions.
For more details on “Navy Pier Pride 2016,” and the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration®, please visit the Navy Pier website at www.navypier.com or the Navy Pier Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top-attended leisure destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 9 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. In 2016, Navy Pier celebrates its 100th anniversary with a series of special events and programming, the grand opening of its new Centennial Wheel and ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts as part of the “Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration.” Navy Pier, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, maintains and oversees Navy Pier and its redevelopment into a bolder, greener and more contemporary urban space. For more information, visit our website at www.navypier.com.
Chicago PrideFest 2016 Jordin Sparks
IT’S OUR STORY | TAKE PRIDE
As the Northalsted Business Alliance prepares to welcome thousands of celebrants for Chicago Pride Fest on June 18-19, the organization marks the month by sharing Pride stories. Be it individual, collaborative community memories, or examples of neighborhood initiatives, NBA will share narratives across social media using the #OurStory hashtag.
Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Christopher Barrett Politan explains the initiative. “As our collaboration with The Legacy Project continues to take shape, it’s an honor to celebrate Pride Month with the LGBT trailblazers who adorn the neighborhood on The Legacy Walk. Most importantly, it is a reminder to take pride in not only our individual accomplishments, but our collective pride in the neighborhood and community.” Collective Pride is weaved throughout the festival as Pride Fest goers are encouraged to donate at the gates to support the neighborhood initiative to provide a clean, beautiful and safe space for everyone to celebrate.
A centerpiece of Pride Month is the two-day Chicago Pride Fest, which celebrates the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Entertainment options abound with Jordin Sparks lighting up the stage on Saturday, while former Danity Kane members Aubrey O’Day and Shannon Bex of the Dumblonde duo shake things up on Sunday. pridefestRising star Daya of ‘Hide Away’ fame joins Dumblonde in the Sunday line-up.
Other performers over the two-day festival include:
Boy Band Review, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Chicago Spirit Brigade, Emii, Fabio Campos, Goldhouse, Jason Maek & Zaena, Lakeside Pride Orchestra, Luciana, My Gold Mask, One Night Band, Rod Tuff Curls, Sushi Roll and Wedding Banned.
In addition, the perennially popular Pride Pet & Family Parade at 12:30PM on Sunday Funday, hosted by Ms. Foozie will open the second day of the festival.
Chicago Pride Fest June 18-19 11 am – 10 pm
Halsted from Addison to Grace $10 Entry Donation
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest, Pride Prom and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA and The Legacy Project visit www.northalsted.com
Chicago Gay Pride Prom May 21
Northalsted Business Alliance Aims to
Make Prom Proud with May 21 Event
As prom season approaches, The Northalsted Business Alliance announces a right of passage redux in the form of Pride Prom: A Chance to Rewrite History, set for May 21, 2016.
As part of the newly formed collaboration with The Legacy Project, NBA invites revelers to enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration in the heart of Boystown. The elaborate set-up will include an expansive outdoor tent on Waveland, between Halsted and Broadway. 350 Guests will savor light fare by featured neighborhood restaurants, beverages (?) and dancing 7-10pm.
Early bird tickets are available for $100 thru April 21 at www.northalsted.com. ($150 after April 21).
Christopher Barrett Politan, Executive Director of the Northalsted Business Alliance, describes what the night means for the neighborhood.
“For many in the LGBTQ community prom was a less than welcoming environment to express gender identity or sexual orientation. Our Pride Prom gives everyone the chance to rewrite their prom experience. Furthermore, we are thrilled that Alderman James Cappleman and his husband Richard Thale will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the evening”
The event marks the first joint initiative for The Northalsted Business Alliance and The Legacy Project, which recently announced their collaborative agreement to advance Boystown cultural programming, business efforts and tourism plans.
Curled, styled, tanned, waxed and painted, neighborhood businesses are joining in the celebration by offering Prom goers discounts at their establishments leading up to, during, and after the event. Couples can expect to get VIP treatment at salons, a personal stylist at fashion boutiques, and amazing dining specials before the dance. Afterwards, local bars and nightclubs are offering specials and line privileges at their establishments. Attendees are encouraged to stay the evening at neighborhood hotels to continue the fun the next morning with Boystown’s infamous Sunday Funday complete with bottomless brunches and all-day entertainment.
Victor Salvo, the Founder and Executive of The Legacy Project, expresses his enthusiasm for Pride Prom.
“I cannot think of a better event to kick-off our collaboration with NBA. As we look back at our history, while also embracing our future, Pride Prom is an historic event and one we look forward to celebrating across generations.”
Chicago pride Week new Events
Now that PrideFest and the Parade have been pushed apart on 2 different weekends, promoters are filling in the week, to make Chicago a real destination for out of towners visiting the city!
6 new events this year!
Monday June 22nd – From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ Six Flags Great America, comes a brand new exclusive LGBTQ Event; OUT IN THE HARBOR @ Hurricane Harbor! Hosted by Andrew Christian! SPLASH, DRINK AND DANCE! 5pm – 10pm
Music by the DJs of Scarlet and DJ Jalil Z from Miami. GO GO GODS! and Costumes by NVRLND!
Hostess with the Mostess Trannika Rex! Lots of food and drink choices available for purchase. Tickets $33 and FREE Parking (TAXES INCLUDED) SEASON PASSES ARE NOT VALID FOR PRIVATE EVENTS.
A portion of ticket price will benefit Northalsted Business Alliance this year! Transportation to and from Boystown $30! All ages welcome – must be 21+ to drink.
Get Tickets and Info @ www.PrideSplashChicago.com
Thursday, June 25th –
Zoo Pride @ Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo celebrates LGBTQ Pride! Brookfield Zoo becomes the 2nd Zoo in the country to recognize and celebrate PRIDE!
2 Events: Daytime and Evening:
During the day from 10am-5pm, the Zoo will be open to the public but with an Officially sanctioned PRIDE Day at the Zoo. Rainbow flags will be flying and there will be entertainment in the afternoon! During the day there will a LGBTQ vendor expo with gay and gay-friendly businesses showcasing their business and /or products. – There will also be a short program with inspirational speakers and some entertainment. $15 Advance Tickets and transportation info @ www.ZooPrideChicago.com
Then From 7-10pm, a very special exclusive evening cocktail party will take place in the Pavilions area. TALK TO THE ANIMALS! Only a portion of the zoo will open from 7-10; Curators and docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the exhibits.
Most of the excitement will happen in the Pavilions area! We’ll be able to sip cocktails and taste delicious lite snacks and sweets. Here, we will Lounge with the Animals and Talk to them! As curators create a very special experience for us, by bringing out numerous animals for us to have an up close and personal meet and greet, and learn more about them. Lounge music will set the tone with the Dj’s of Scarlet. Silent Auction with cool animal items from artists and local businesses. Tickets are $60 includes open bar, food and the experience. Tickets and transportation info @ www.ZooPrideChicago.com
Chicago pride Week Events
June 27th 2 parties by Neverland
June 28th Parade day with another evening party by Neverland!
The brilliant boys of Neverland Anthony DiFiore and Martin Luna are delivering 3 new events for Chicago Pride Weekend!
Known for their high-concept themed dance parties, they are ready to up to ante with a series of three fabulous, high-end Pride weekend parties designed to bring Chicago into the running with the other major cities holding Pride celebrations the last weekend in June.
On the Saturday before and Sunday of the Chicago Pride Parade (June 27 and 28, respectively), Neverland is hosting a daytime Pride Pool Party at Deuce’s & Diamonds on Clark Street, a fabulous all-night “Bougie Ball” themed dance party at the Metro and a post-parade Pride Closing Party Sunday night at The MID.
Tickets for all events are available online, both individually and as a “weekend pass” deal, and at Egoist Underwear at 3526 N Halsted in Boystown (for those who want to avoid paying the online service fee).
Ty Herndon at Chicago Pride Parade
Country singer Ty Herndon hopes that the support he received after coming out last year is indicative of a progressive Nashville, one that’s becoming more tolerant toward the LGBT community than in years past.
“One of the biggest fears I had in coming out and being authentic was that I wouldn’t get to continue doing what I do for a living, and that’s country music,” he told The Huffington Post in an interview. “How great is it that I have the opportunity, for the first time in my life, to sing about truth? That makes me a very happy man.”
Herndon, 53, sees his latest project as a prime opportunity for him to pay that happiness forward. On June 12, he’ll take the stage at the first Concert For Love and Acceptance at Nashville’s City Winery, which he is co-hosting with Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights.
PRIDEChicago, the organizers of Chicago’s annual gay pride parade, announced Monday that out country star Ty Herndon will be the Grand Marshal for the 46th Annual Chicago Pride Parade.
“I have struggled with being gay my entire career and life,” Herndon told ChicagoPride.com just days after that interview. “Of course, I’ve had so much support from my friends and close family that supported me, that knew I was gay. But it’s been so freeing for the fans to know; the fans in country music, especially. They have really been supportive and awesome.”
Jennifer Hudson, HRC and the W Hotel
A FREE EVENT – First Come First Served – SPACE IS LIMITED!
Turn it up for Change at The W Chicago – Lakeshore
Wednesday, January 14th @ 9PM
The W Chicago – Lakeshore (644 N. Lake Shore Drive) in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign will host Turn it up for Change, a fundraising and awareness initiative in the fight for nationwide LGBT equality with special guests Grammy® and Academy Award® winner Jennifer Hudson, DJ White Shadow, Legendary Damon along with local Chicago Queens Trannika Rex, Precious Jewel and Shea Coulee.
The event is free and will begin at 9:00PM CST
and entry is available on a first come, first serve basis.
TURN IT UP FOR CHANGE launched in October 2014 and combines W’s longstanding support of the LGBT community with its ongoing passion for music. In partnership with HRC and Jennifer Hudson, W hopes to bring about real and lasting change for LGBT Americans in all 50 states. As part of the program, W Hotels around the country currently host monthly TURN IT UP FOR CHANGE music events, in which a portion of proceeds (equal the number of states that currently recognize same-sex marriage) is donated to HRC. Some events, such as this one at W Chicago – Lakeshore, also include appearances by Jennifer Hudson.
Our Big Queer Latina/o Wedding June 1st
In less than two weeks, couples all over the state of Illinois will be able to marry, regardless of gender. To celebrate this triumph and to kick-off the 5th annual United Latino Pride Week, United Latino Pride (ULP) and Lambda Legal, in conjunction with various other community partners and businesses, will hold a large wedding ceremony and celebration.
“We decided to throw a big wedding open to the community because this victory didn’t happen solely thanks to politicians,” says Lalo Aguayo, ULP co-chair. “It happened because of the countless hours our colleagues at all the major LGBTQQIA and Latina/o organizations spent speaking directly to our leaders in Springfield. It happened because our families and friends engaged in conversations with their peers. This is how we won marriage equality. Hearts and minds are changed one conversation at a time. It only makes sense to celebrate this victory the way Latina/os do: as a family.”
According to organizers, whereas mainstream US society weddings are seen as a private affair, in much of Latin America and in Latina/o communities in the United States, weddings are a communal event.
“Our Big Queer Latina/o Wedding will reflect our culture and how we show happiness. When someone gets married it isn’t just about the two families, it’s about everyone in the community! We invite neighbors and distant cousins, and all the people in our lives that we call uncles, aunts, and cousins, even if they’re not really related,” Aguayo says.
With music, food, and drinks, ULP organizers hope to make this momentous occasion one to remember for the couples getting married and for rest of community witnessing that love and commitment.
“This will be a day for all of us to remember. It is a historic moment in Illinois and an important step towards our vision of a world where the pluralities of our identities as LGBTQQIA Latina/os are not only acknowledged but celebrated as well.”
United Latino Pride’s Big Queer Latino/a Wedding will take place on June 1st, 2014 at the Chicago Urban Arts Society.
For more information and to reserve free tickets visit www.unitedlatinopride.org
March on Springfield for Marriage Equality October 22nd, 2013

Marriage is an important institution. It is through marriage that
adults throughout our country and throughout the world express their
commitment and devotion to each other. In turn, governments use the
institution of marriage to recognize and protect family units.
However, the definition of marriage has not been static throughout
history. The definition of marriage has changed considerably from
biblical historical days, when the marital unit might have included more
than 2 adults and when every participant’s consent may not have been
readily apparent. In past traditions, marriage was sometimes used to
consolidate wealth, produce children, and create kinship between
powerful families. The legal and social benefits of marriage continued
to evolve to accommodate changing needs of societies.
Marriage continues to serve as an important civil institution in
America today. Its protections continue on many levels: financial,
legal, social, and emotional. Even while the institution of marriage
evolves, it is still the avenue through which our society provides
benefits, rights, protections, and responsibilities to partners.
Marriage bestows a host of benefits -and responsibilities – to
couples who choose to marry. The following is a short, illustrative
list of some of the more than 1,000 benefits and responsibilities that
married couples enjoy automatically, yet are denied to same-sex couples
that cannot wed.
- Automatic inheritance, even without a will
- Responsibility for each partner’s debt
- Ability to put partner and partner’s children on medical or life insurance
- Hospital visitation rights
- Ability to make partner a U.S. citizen and prevent deportation
- Right to take leave to care for a sick partner
- Ability to make medical decisions in an emergency
- Privilege from testifying against partner in court
- Ability to file joint tax returns and use tax benefits for married couples
- Exemption from gift and estate transfer taxes
- Right to joint parenting, adoption, foster care, and visitation of children
- Right to recognition in all states
- Right to file wrongful death claims for a partner’s death
- Right to a divorce, court division of property, and visitation of children in times of breakup

GRAB A BUS RIDE THERE AND JOIN US!
Chicago Fire LGBT Event Saturday September 28th
The Fire will be selling two ticket packages with a portion of the
proceeds going to benefit Equality Illinois and the fight for marriage
equality.
TICKET INFO:
$20 Corner Kick ticket
$32 Corner Kick ticket + Coach bus transportation
The event will include a pre-game tailgate and concert featuring Jess Godwin and Isaiah Grass in north end parking lot.
Chicago Pride Parade will be Broadcast on ABC 7
ABC 7 Chicago will
be the only station in the city to broadcast “The 44th Annual Pride Parade” on Sunday, June 30th from midnight
to 1 am. Hosted by ABC 7’s Janet Davies, this is the tenth year ABC 7
Chicago has covered the parade. Terri
Hemmert, from WXRT Radio Chicago, will once again join Davies in the
broadcast booth to help co-host the parade. The actual parade will take place on
Sunday, June 30, starting at noon.
“I am
always proud of the fact that ABC 7 is the first and only television station to
broadcast the Pride Parade,” said Janet Davies, host of the event. “This is an
important event to showcase the contributions of Chicago’s LGBT community and
one of my favorite events to host.”
This year, ABC
7’s Ben Bradley, Ryan Chiaverini, Jessica D’Onofrio, Michelle Gallardo, Evelyn Holmes, Leah Hope, Eric Horng, Ron Magers, Karen Meyer, Hosea
Sanders, Rafer Weigel and Linda Yu are scheduled to appear in the parade via ABC 7 Chicago’s float.
Wade Davis, a former NFL football player and
nationally recognized speaker, activist, writer and educator will be this
year’s Grand Marshal.
The 44th Annual Pride Parade kicks off from Broadway and Montrose on
Chicago’s North Side and will
end near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.
The parade originally started to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall
Riots, the most important event in the history of the gay rights movement.
The parade ends a weekend of fun and
entertainment with various bands and singers performing on stage, great food
and drinks. The Pride Parade festivities support the gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender communities.
The “Pride Parade” is Chicago’s second
largest parade with streets lined 12 people deep and 750,000 spectators.
“The 44th Annual Pride Parade” will be
available on-demand at www.abc7chicago.com.
“The 44th Annual Pride Parade” is produced by
Christopher Bowen.