Collective announces location for 2010 and 2011 Marches
Chicago, IL May 27th 2010- Chicago Dyke March will take place in the neighborhood of South Shore this summer, with an ending rally in Jackson Park. Following a 2009 decision for the march to remain in the same neighborhood for two consecutive years, the march will take place in South Shore in 2010 and 2011.
Chicago Dyke March is a grassroots mobilization and celebration of dyke, queer, and transgender resilience. It is an anti-racist, anti-violent, volunteer-led, grassroots effort with a goal to bridge together communities across multiple identities. The march is organized by the Chicago Dyke March Collective ( CDMC ) , a group of activists who also participate in other grassroots social justice struggles in Chicago. In 2008 a decision was made to rotate the march throughout Chicago's neighborhoods, recognizing the need for queer visibility throughout the city. The march had previously been held in neighborhoods known for their LGBT presence but with predominantly white, affluent populations.
Attendees at the 2009 Chicago Dyke March were invited to offer their feedback about the location of the 2010 and 2011 marches. CDMC organizers reported that there was widespread support for a march on the south side and that several south side neighborhoods were suggested. After identifying the four neighborhoods with the most support, organizers sought feedback from community members both in South Shore and across Chicago.
CDMC is well aware that the vast majority of LGBT resources are on the north side and funding is usually directed there, for everything from queer cultural events to HIV testing/ prevention services. "This is why Dyke March participants look forward to let Chicago know that LGBTQ community is present in all corners of our city" says veteran organizer Edith Bucio. "Marchers look forward to marching alongside South Shore community members as allies and LGBTQ family, and learning more of the fierce work they are doing."
Chicago Dyke March will take place in South Shore for two years in order to allow organizers to build relationships and support the social justice struggles in South Shore in a more meaningful way. Unlike the Pride Parade, Chicago Dyke March is open and free to anyone who wants to march in it. The work is therefore all volunteer-based, with predominately grassroots fundraising.
Chicago Dyke March 2010 will take place on June 26th. Folks will be meeting at the Shore Bank parking lot at 2:30 p.m. located at 7054 S. Jeffery Blvd. Step off is at 3 p.m. The march is followed by a rally which will take place at 4 p.m. at Jackson Park near 63rd and Hayes Blvd. Everyone is invited. For more information or to volunteer please e-mail CDMC at dykemarchchicago@gmail.com, or visit our face book link at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14233764762
* A note on terminology: Please note that the word "dyke" has a history of being a pejorative term, and may be perceived as offensive by some. At Dyke March however, we also are aware of the power of reclaiming terms that have been used against us. Dyke March chooses to use the word "dyke" as a politicized, empowering and reclaimed word, and as an umbrella term for women who have relationships with other women, exclusively or not.
Chicago Dyke March Collective is a grassroots mobilization and celebration of dyke, queer, and transgender resilience. It is an anti-racist, anti-violent, volunteer-led, grassroots effort with a goal to bridge together communities across race, class, age, size, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, culture, immigrant status, spirituality, and ability.
