Under clear blue skies and in the midst of searing temperatures, the city's 36th Annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade attracted an estimated 400,000-440,000 members of the LGBT community and straight allies on June 26, jamming the streets of Lakeview.
The parade kicked off on time, with the lead car occupied by openly gay actor and activist Wilson Cruz, who was the grand marshal. He was followed by dozens of politicians, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who had just signed two new hate-crime bills into law, and 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney. Notably absent was State Rep. Larry McKeon, D-Chicago, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy to battle rectal cancer.
Other statewide elected officials in the parade included Lisa Madigan, Pat Quinn, Judy Baar Topinka and Jesse White.
Anti-gays picketed again along the end of the route, with about 10 protesters protected behind a line of police officers.
According to the Chicago Police's news affairs division, there were 16 arrests connected with the parade: five for battery, one for theft, three for disorderly conduct, six for possession of a controlled substance and one other. Arrests included those on four counts at 819 W. Buckingham ( one for disorderly conduct, two for cannabis possession and one for cocaine possession ) ; domestic violence incidents at 3340, 3361 and 3357 N. Halsted; and busts for disorderly conduct at 759 W. Roscoe and 559 W. Diversey.
In addition, there was at least one mishap. At one point, an individual fell off the Encompass Nightclub float and was run over by it. The parade had to be stopped so emergency personnel could get to the victim, who was loaded onto an ambulance.
According to a PRIDEChicago press release, parade winners included:
— Best all-around entry: Q Television/Gay Games ( for energy and enthusiasm )
— Organization: Chicago Spirit Brigade ( energy in its performance )
— Business: Hydrate
— Theme: Acme Toy Company ( who adapted the 'Equal Rights! No More, No Less' international Pride theme )
Honorable mentions included Howard Orloff Imports/Chicago Pride/Jessika Sterling ( for their 'elegant and well-dressed entry' ) , Lee Lumber ( for its 'comedic 'double entendre' entry ) and the Illinois Lottery ( for its colorful entry ) .
In an e-mail to Windy City Times, PRIDEChicago coordinator Richard Pfeiffer stated that ' [ w ] e were pleased by the turnout. After the past year with both political wins ( as well as defeats ) on the local and national levels, people felt the need to celebrate the wins and celebrate Pride, which was evident in this year's parade.'
See photos throughout this issue and online at www.windycitymediagroup.com .
