Learn More About Pride

Honoring Legacy

Inspired by the Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969, Chicago’s first Gay Liberation March took place on Saturday, June 27, 1970—one day before similar marches were held in New York City and Los Angeles. That historic gathering placed Chicago at the forefront of a growing movement for LGBTQ+ visibility, equality, and liberation.

In its earliest years, the march looked very different from the celebration we know today. What began with a small group of courageous activists taking to the streets has grown across generations into one of Chicago’s most enduring and celebrated traditions.

More than five decades later, the Chicago Pride Parade continues to bring together participants, spectators, community organizations, and allies from across the city and beyond. Its evolution reflects both the progress made and the work that continues—a living legacy of resilience, visibility, community, and Pride.

Inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, Chicago’s first Gay Liberation March took place on June 27, 1970—one day before similar marches in New York City and Los Angeles. What began with a small group of courageous activists has grown into the iconic Chicago Pride Parade, carrying forward a powerful legacy of visibility, resilience, community, and Pride.

Parade History

Founders Fund

Who We Are

PRIDEChicago is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through the annual Chicago Pride Parade and year-round advocacy efforts, PRIDEChicago honors the legacy of those who came before us while investing in the future of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities in Chicago and across Illinois.

Our Mission

Building on the decades-long work of Richard Pfeiffer, our mission remains steadfast: to inspire, educate, and commemorate Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities while celebrating the diversity, strength, and spirit that unite us.

Our Vision

We are proud of the Chicago Pride Parade’s history and inspired by the future we are helping to build—a world where all people are free to live authentically, openly, and unapologetically.

Our Values

We believe in the power of connection and in treating one another with respect, kindness, integrity, and positivity. We expect everyone who participates in, volunteers with, or attends the Chicago Pride Parade to share in these values while supporting and celebrating Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.

Our Leadership Team

Our dedicated, all-volunteer leadership team and Parade Coordinators bring the passion, experience, and expertise that help make the Chicago Pride Parade a meaningful and inspiring celebration year after year.