Community Trailblazers
For more than five decades, the Chicago Pride Parade has been led by people whose courage, advocacy and love have shaped Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. The Roll of Honor celebrates these Trailblazers, the Grand Marshals who have marched at the front of our parade and helped carry the spirit of Pride forward. Their stories remind us how far we’ve come and inspire the work still ahead.
Since 2025, our Community Grand Marshals have been chosen through a community nomination process, giving everyone a voice in honoring the leaders who make a difference in their lives. Each year, nominees are reviewed and selected by the PRIDEChicago Board of Directors.
Know a Trailblazer who deserves recognition?
For more than five decades, the Chicago Pride Parade has been led by people whose courage, advocacy and love have shaped Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. The Roll of Honor celebrates these Trailblazers, the Grand Marshals who have marched at the front of our parade and helped carry the spirit of Pride forward. Their stories remind us how far we’ve come and inspire the work still ahead.
2026 Trailblazers
In 2026, the Chicago Pride Parade embraced the theme “Free to Be Proud,” led by four Community Grand Marshals chosen through community nominations: journalist and historian Tracy Baim, civil rights leader Mona Noriega, philanthropist and community advocate Evette Cardona, and the Alliance of Illinois Judges, the state’s LGBTQ+ judges’ association. Together, they represent decades of leadership, advocacy and service to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond, honoring those who paved the way while affirming the ongoing pursuit of freedom, visibility and justice for all.
2025 Trailblazers
In 2025, the first year Community Grand Marshals were chosen through community nominations, the Chicago Pride Parade celebrated the theme “United in Pride,” led by two champions of LGBTQ+ health: Dr. Maya Green, affectionately known as “Dr. 100” for her candid and compassionate approach to healthcare, and Dr. Catherine Creticos, a respected infectious disease specialist who has dedicated more than 30 years to serving the LGBTQ+ community. Both were honored for their dedication to health equity and advocacy, reflecting the deep commitment needed to build a healthier and more inclusive future for all.
2024 Trailblazers
Three prominent couples led the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade in 2024 under the theme “Pride is Power.” Community Grand Marshals Art Johnston and José “Pepe” Peña, longtime LGBTQ+ activists and owners of Sidetrack, were joined by high-profile transgender couple and community organizers Myles and Precious Brady-Davis. Serving as Celebrity Grand Marshals were comedian Fortune Feimster and her wife, Jax Smith, who first met at Chicago Pride in 2015, a full-circle moment for the parade.
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Celebrity Grand Marshals
PRIDEChicago has also hosted numerous Celebrity Grand Marshals from the world of sports, music, film, and TV.
Some of the grand marshals include: John Amaechi (2007), Eric Alva (2008), Billy Bean (2003), Alexandra Billings (2009), Orlando Cruz (2018), Wilson Cruz (2005), Lea DeLaria (2017), Wade Davis (2013), Fortune Feimster (2024), Ty Herndon (2015), Greg Louganis (1999), Chuck Panozzo (2002), Monica Raymund (2016), Fernanda Rocha (2011), Will Sheridan (2014), George Takei (2006), Esera Tuaolo (2004), Evan Wolfson (2012), Chely Wright (2010), and many others.
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