Richard William Pfeiffer
“Under Rich’s year-round consistent leadership, Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade grew from a few hundred participants and observers to thousands of marchers and over a million viewers, reflecting the amazing growth of our communities.” – Art Johnston, Sidetrack co-owner
On Sunday, October 6, 2019, Chicago lost a quiet giant of LGBTQ+ history when Richard William Pfeiffer passed away at the age of 70. For nearly fifty years, Richard was the driving force behind one of the city’s most beloved traditions—the Chicago Pride Parade—transforming what started as a march into a world-renowned celebration of love, visibility, and equality.
From Spectator to Steward
Richard’s connection to Pride began in 1970, when he stood among the small crowd that witnessed Chicago’s first-ever gay liberation march. The experience lit a spark that would guide the rest of his life. He quickly moved from observer to participant, volunteering as a marshal for the second, third, and fourth parades.
In 1974, when organizers needed someone to coordinate the fifth parade, Richard stepped forward. What started as a volunteer assignment became his life’s calling. Year after year—through political shifts, and the changing face of the city—he nurtured the parade’s growth with meticulous planning and an unshakable belief in the power of visibility.
A Legacy of Growth and Visibility
Under Richard’s steady leadership, the Chicago Pride Parade evolved from a few hundred marchers into a celebration that now draws thousands of participants and more than a million spectators. His dedication was not about personal recognition but about ensuring that LGBTQ+ people could be seen, celebrated, and heard.
One of our earliest and longest-serving activists, Rich Pfeiffer made history as he gave our community decades of committed, effective service.
ART JOHNSTON, CO-owner sidetrack
Richard’s work went far beyond logistics. He viewed the parade as both a celebration and a statement—a vivid reminder that equality is an ongoing journey. Through periods of political hostility, the AIDS crisis, and the march toward marriage equality, he kept the parade alive and thriving, offering hope and visibility when it was most needed.
Partnership in Life and Pride
At the heart of Richard’s story is his nearly 48-year partnership with Tim Frye, his husband and closest collaborator. Together they shaped the Chicago Pride Parade. Their shared commitment created not just an event but a community, where volunteers, neighbors, and allies could come together in a common purpose.
After Richard’s passing, Tim assumed leadership, and today serves as Co-Chair of PRIDEChicago, an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization ensuring that the parade—and Richard’s vision—would continue to flourish.
An Enduring Influence
Richard’s impact reaches far beyond a single day in June. Each summer when rainbow flags line the streets of Lakeview, his spirit is present in every cheer, every drumbeat, every family standing proudly at the curb. The parade remains a living testament to his belief that celebration itself can be a form of activism and that visibility saves lives.
In 1992, Richard was inducted into Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for a man who spent decades amplifying the voices of others rather than his own. Yet his greatest legacy is the thriving, resilient community that gathers each year to march, dance, and demand equality.
Carrying the Torch Forward
As PRIDEChicago looks ahead to future parades, Richard’s example continues to guide every volunteer, every organizer, and every marcher. His life is a reminder that lasting change is built not only in moments of triumph but in the patient, dedicated work of showing up—year after year—for love and justice.
Richard William Pfeiffer gave Chicago more than a parade. He gave it a tradition of courage and joy that will echo through the city’s streets for generations to come.
Founders Fund
PRIDEChicago proudly honors Richard Pfeiffer and Tim Frye with the Founders Fund.
We invite you to donate to the Founders Fund and help ensure that the Chicago Pride Parade-and the vital work it represents-continues to inspire future generations.
Chicago Honors Rich Pfeiffer
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, 2024, in tribute to his lifelong work advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
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