The 2019 Chicago Pride Parade will be themed around "Stonewall 50: Millions of Moments of Pride," parade officials announced May 8.
The parade kicks off at noon, on Sunday, June 30.
"Historically, Pride Parades commemorate the Stonewall rebellion that took place on June 28, 1969, when patrons of a New York City gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, fought back during a raid by police," said officials in a statement. "At that time, gay bars were frequently raided across the country. That night, patrons fought back and street demonstrations continued for several days. During that week, gay liberation groups were formed, thus giving birth to the modern day LGBTQ+ rights movement."
The parade will follow the same route as it has for the last several years, starting at the corner of Broadway and Montrose Avenue and ending and ending at Diversey Avenue and Cannon Drive.
Among those honored are persons and organizations who worked to bring Pride celebrations to their own communities. Molly Pinta, a 12-year-old Buffalo Grove resident, successfully lobbied to bring a Pride parade to her hometown this year was named youth grand marshal. Chicago Pride Parade officials called her "a shining example of the work and sacrifices" made by activists before, during and after the time of the Stonewall riots.
Indivisible Aurora, which organized that community's first Pride parade in 2018, and managed a successful fundraising effort when plans for the 2019 parade were jeopardized, will be organizational grand marshal.
Legacy grand marshals, whose community contributions date back even prior to Stonewall, include Joel Hall, community activist and founder of the Joel Hall Dance Company; Jim Flint, community activist and owner of the Baton Show Lounge; and Marge Summit, longtime community activist and owner of the His 'n Hers bar.
Announcement of the parade's honorary grand marshal are forthcoming. More information is at ChicagoPrideCalendar.org .