PRIDEChicago, the all-volunteer organization behind the iconic Chicago Pride Parade, officially launched the city’s Pride Month festivities on Sunday, June 7, with a community celebration at Sidetrack. The afternoon gathering honored local LGBTQ+ trailblazers and grassroots organizations while building momentum for the annual parade, which steps off at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, from Grace Street and Broadway.

The kickoff drew a large crowd of advocates, community members, and supporters—including Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th)—to toast the parade’s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of visibility and advocacy for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.

PRIDEChicago Board Chair Steve Long introduced this year’s official theme, “Free to Be Proud,” calling the message both intentional and declarative.

“Pride has never been just about celebration—it is about visibility, dignity, resilience, and the right to exist safely and authentically,” Long told the crowd. “It is a reminder that no one is truly free until everyone is free to be.”

Longtime organizer Tim Frye joined Long in recognizing the extensive year-round efforts of the organization’s entirely volunteer leadership. The current Board of Directors includes Alex Riolo, Dan Nisbet, Daniel Ortiz, Ron Thomas, Steve Long, Tim Frye, and Terra Campbell. The Auxiliary Board includes Halley Felty, James Gibbs, Ricky Moats, and Terrence Chappell, with Dr. Maya Green serving on the Advisory Board.

A central highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2026 “Out Front” Group distinction, which celebrates grassroots organizations providing vital, lifeline services. Board members Terra Campbell and Daniel Ortiz presented the honor to the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, recognizing its profound impact on local advocacy in Humboldt Park. Board Treasurer Ron Thomas followed the presentation by awarding a $5,000 donation to the center on behalf of PRIDEChicago.

The event also spotlighted the 2026 Community Grand Marshals, selected through a public nomination process to reflect the spirit of this year’s theme.

This year’s honorees include Tracy Baim, Evette Cardona, and Mona Noriega, alongside the Alliance of Illinois Judges. The Alliance was represented at the event by Judges Matthew Jannusch and Jill Rose Quinn. Quinn is the first openly trans elected official in Illinois and became the fourth openly trans judge in U.S. history when elected in 2024.

Hosted by Sidetrack and General Manager Brad Balof, the annual gathering functioned as both a civic celebration and a community-wide call to action as Chicago prepares for one of the nation’s most historic Pride processions later this month.

Photos by Michael Montiel for PRIDEChicago. Photos may not be reproduced or used for any purpose without written permission.