Discussion about where the 2009 Dyke March, held in the summer the day before the annual Pride Parade, has already begun.
This summer, Dyke March organizers made history when they decided to bring the annual grassroots event, typically held in the North Side neighborhood Andersonville, to Pilsen. The new location was the largest and most successful Dyke March in the 12 years of its Chicago existence, and a diverse group of people were involved in not only organizing, but also attending the event.
Last week, Dyke March organizers held the first of three community forums to gauge where the community thinks the next Dyke March should be held. According to organizers, they want the march to be held in a different neighborhood each year. During a recent forum, possible suggested locations included Chinatown, Downtown, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park and many others.
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, those interested in becoming involved in the process met at the Center on Halsted, discussing the pros and cons of the 2008 Dyke March, offering new ideas and contemplating a possible future location for the annual event.
According to Dyke March organizer Tania Unzueta, two additional community forums will be held within the next month, followed by a town hall meeting. There will also be online discussion and an online poll. The decision process mirrors last year's. Unzueta told Windy City Times that organizers hope that a location will be chosen around January.
Those interested in suggested possible locations for the 2009 march can cast their vote in an online poll at www.myspace.com/dykemarchchicago.
A date has not been chosen for the next community forum, but individuals can find out more at the group's Myspace page.