Chicago, Illinois — The Chicago Teachers Union's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Committee announced today that "We Teach Pride Around the World" will be the theme of the union's debut entry in Chicago's annual Pride Parade on June 26.
"Our GLBT Rights Committee is proud to lead the first-ever Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) float in our city's annual celebration event," said Dennis Bales, Chairperson of CTU's GLBT Rights Committee. He added, "We are even more proud of the fact that our union officers, leaders, scores of teachers and other school staffers will be marching with us. We invite GLBT teachers and our allies from the entire Chicagoland area to march with us."
CTU President Karen Lewis observed that the June 26 parade will be an historic event recognizing Chicago's GLBT public school personnel. "When I took office last year I was shocked to discover that our union didn't have an official float in Chicago's parade. It was one of the first problems I was determined to rectify."
Participants in the CTU float and marching contingent will receive a free CTU rainbow t-shirt to commemorate their participation. A pre-parade party will be held make signs and mix and mingle before the big day. The location, date and time of the party will be announced at a later date.
About the Chicago Teachers Union
The Chicago Teachers Union is an organization of educators dedicated to advancing and promoting quality public education, improving teaching and learning conditions, and protecting members' rights. Chicago Teachers Union affiliations include the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), the Illinois State Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (ISFL-CIO), and the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).