Press Credentials
If you are a member of the media working on coverage of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, here’s how to engage with us.
Media Inquiries: For interview requests, or any questions related to press and editorial work around the Chicago Pride Parade, email press@pridechicago.org.
Press Credentials: Media outlets seeking to gain access should first complete the Media Credentials Application. The credential application will be open until Friday, June 27, 2025 at 5:00pm CDT.
Media Credentials will only be provided to staff or freelancers on assignment from qualified media outlets. For the purposes of this application, PRIDEChicago defines a “Media Outlet” as a publication, website, television or streaming service program that creates content or media in the public interest.
Credentials Application
We welcome all media organizations and press members to the Chicago Pride Parade. If you would like to cover this event and share its importance in celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community, please complete this application.
Media Center
We value the contribution that the media plays in helping share our message of visibility, unity, and equality. For guidance on covering the LGBTQ+ community, we refer you to the GLAAD Media Reference Guide.
Brief History of the Chicago Pride Parade
The first “Pride” was a riot. On June 28, 1969, queer patrons at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York City, led mainly by Black and Brown trans women, bravely stood up against systemic police oppression during a street riot that lasted days. Thirteen people were arrested.
Inspired by those revolutionary events a year earlier, Chicago’s inaugural Gay Liberation March was held on Saturday, June 27, 1970, making Chicago the first city to hold such a march, followed by New York City and San Francisco on Sunday, June 28, 1970.
Although it started as a modest, yet purposeful march of 100 – 150 people from Washington Square Park called Bughouse Square to the Water Tower, ultimately reaching the Civic Center (now called Daley Center), it was a defining moment of resilience that laid the groundwork for the modern Pride movement, inspiring annual marches and celebrations.
From its modest beginnings, the annual Chicago Pride Parade has grown in visibility and popularity. Since 2013, the Parade has consistently attracted over one million people each year, making it not only the oldest, but also one of the largest Pride parades worldwide.
The iconic Chicago Pride Parade runs through the landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Northalsted, which in 1997 the City of Chicago recognized as the first official gay village in the United States.
Can I use your logo?
We ask that the use of our logo be reserved for official sponsors and media partners of PRIDEChicago. This helps us to ensure that our logo is not used inappropriately or without our consent. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us to promote a positive and inclusive message for the LGBTQ+ community.
Can I use your images?
To protect the intellectual property of PRIDEChicago and our dedicated photographers, the use of our images is reserved exclusively for our sponsors and media partners. If you wish to use any of our images, please obtain permission from us first and provide proper credit to the photographer. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the integrity of PRIDEChicago and the hard work of our talented photographers.
Our Social Media Channels
Stay in the loop with all things PRIDEChicago by following us on our social media channels. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and join the conversation using the hashtag #PRIDEChicago and #ChicagoPrideParade.
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If you have any further enquiries, please email press@pridechicago.org.
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