Pfeiffer’s Enduring Legacy in Shaping Chicago’s LGBTQ+ History is Honored

The City of Chicago honored longtime Chicago Pride Parade coordinator Richard Pfeiffer with an honorary street sign—“Rich Pfeiffer Parade Way”—at the northwest corner of Belmont Avenue and North Halsted Street. The sign was unveiled during a dedication ceremony on Sunday, October 27, in tribute to Pfeiffer’s lifelong work advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Pfeiffer, who led the Chicago Pride Parade from 1974 until his passing in 2019, was instrumental in transforming the parade into one of the oldest, largest, and most celebrated Pride events in the country.  

“One of our earliest and longest-serving activists, Rich Pfeiffer made history through decades of dedicated and impactful service to our community,” says Art Johnston, co-owner of Sidetrack and co-founder of Equality Illinois. “Under Rich’s year-round leadership, the Chicago Pride Parade grew from a small gathering of a few hundred participants to a grand celebration with thousands of marchers and over a million viewers, reflecting the incredible growth of our community.” 

Pfeiffer passed away just months after successfully leading the Chicago Pride Parade in 2019, on the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. His dedication to the community helped shape the parade into a landmark event. 

“Richard’s leadership and passion shaped the parade and our community for more than 45 years,” said Ron Thomas, PRIDEChicago board member and parade co-coordinator. “This honorary street sign ensures that his legacy will be remembered by all who participate in or witness the parade.” 

Pfeiffer’s legacy continues through PRIDEChicago, the all-volunteer organization he created and led. In September of this year, the organization secured its 501(c)(3) status and announced a Board of Directors, paving the way for expanded community initiatives.  

“We are now positioned to ensure that the spirit of pride and progress endures for generations to come,” said Steve Long, board chair and parade co-coordinator.    

Pfeiffer’s contributions to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community extended far beyond the parade. He was a founding member of the Committee on Gay/Lesbian Issues under Mayor Harold Washington and was later reappointed to the Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues by Mayor Richard M. Daley. Pfeiffer was also inducted into the Chicago Lesbian and Gay Hall of Fame in 1993. 

44th Ward Alderman Bennett Lawson and the Chicago Department of Transportation coordinated the street sign dedication with PRIDEChicago. The ceremony was attended by Pfeiffer’s husband, Tim Frye, along with family, friends, elected officials, and community leaders. 

Speakers at the event were Ald. Lawson, Johnston, WXRT radio legend and former ABC-7 parade co-host Terri Hemmert, longtime parade volunteer Jimmy Stephen, and longtime community activist and one of the organizers of the first Chicago Gay Liberation March, which was the beginning of the Chicago Pride Parade in 1970, Gary Chichester.

PRIDEChicago is a vibrant and dynamic volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ+ community since 1974. We are proud to have produced the iconic Chicago Pride Parade for over 50 years.