I am responding to the letter from Tim Frye, the current 2021 coordinator of Chicago's Pride Parade, about the cancellation of the event that was scheduled for Oct. 3.
I agree that this decision takes in many more individuals than Tim, and how it affects the livelihood of this very diversified community.
If the diversity of opinion cannot be trusted how can one trust the outcomes of those opinions.
Tim Frye said, "Everyone knows the reasons we were wrong in our estimate as to how safe things would be in the fall. Leave it at that." We need a better explanation from Tim when it comes to the cancellation of the Pride Parade.
Market Days, the Air & Water Show, the Old Town Art Fair, Lollapalooza and other events went on as scheduled.
The parade could've been a wonderful opportunity to promote COVID vaccines. We should've used the Pride Parade to promote people getting their vaccine shots.
The reasons that Tim gives in his letter canceling the parade are somewhat unreasonable, and should be re-evaluated with a broader net of consultation to include community members of our economic community. The diversity of our community is more important than power over others.
I thank Tim for his work. However, in my opinion, more needs to be done to reach a responsible conclusion.
Diversity, jobs and health are our keys to a new vision of community that is more inclusive and safe.
The Pride Parade should go on as planned.
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement.