Honoring Legacy
In 1970, a small group of courageous activists marched through the streets in Chicago’s first Gay Liberation March, a bold act of visibility at a time of intense discrimination. More than five decades later, that march has grown into one of the oldest Pride celebrations in the country. Proudly powered by volunteers, PRIDEChicago carries that legacy forward, honoring where we’ve been and helping make space for what comes next.
Pride has a Powerful History.
Pride has a Powerful History.
Pride has a Powerful Future.
Pride has a Powerful Future.
Where It Began
Inspired by the Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969, Chicago held its first Gay Liberation March on Saturday, June 27, 1970 — one day before similar marches in New York City and Los Angeles. A modest but purposeful group of 100 to 150 people gathered at Washington Square Park, known as Bughouse Square, and marched to the Civic Center, now the Daley Center.
It was a bold act of visibility at a time of intense discrimination, and it placed Chicago at the forefront of a growing movement for LGBTQ+ equality and liberation.
A Movement That Grew
From those humble beginnings, the Chicago Pride Parade has grown into one of the longest-running Pride celebrations in the country, and it is one of Chicago’s most enduring traditions. Its journey reflects both the progress LGBTQ+ communities have won and the fight for equality that continues.
A pivotal moment came in 1977. As anti-gay campaigner Anita Bryant’s crusade drew protests and a boycott across the nation, opposition in Chicago turned the Parade into a major political force. Attendance surged to unprecedented levels, and the Parade’s role as a platform for activism was firmly established.
Who We Are Now
Grounded in the legacy of founders Richard Pfeiffer and Tim Frye, PRIDEChicago is proud to carry forward the history of the iconic Chicago Pride Parade while growing and evolving alongside the community we serve. We honor where we’ve been, celebrate who we are today, and help make space for what comes next.
Beyond producing the Parade, PRIDEChicago reinvests in organizations and programs that support LGBTQ+ youth, seniors, and intergenerational initiatives, strengthening connection, dignity, and opportunity in Chicago and across Illinois.
Powered by Community
PRIDEChicago is rooted in community and proudly powered by volunteers. Your support directly helps produce the Parade, fund community initiatives, and sustain the year-round work that keeps Pride accessible, inclusive, and community-centered.
When you give to PRIDEChicago, you’re supporting more than a parade. You’re investing in the people, stories, and communities that have made Pride possible for generations, and helping carry that legacy forward.
Who We Are
PRIDEChicago is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces the historic Chicago Pride Parade and advocates year-round for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities across Illinois, honoring the legacy of those who came before us while investing in the future.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Values
Our Leadership Team
PRIDEChicago is a proud member of InterPride and the United States Association of Prides.
PRIDEChicago is a proud 2021 inductee into The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame.
Chicago Pride Parade® is a registered trademark of PRIDEChicago®.
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