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Chicago proved that, rain or shine, it is going to celebrate Pride.
Despite intermittent showers and a long delay mid-event, Chicago celebrated the 39th annual Pride Parade in style Sun., June 29. This year's Boystown parade'in which the theme was 'Live, Love, Be Proud&#mdash;saw record attendance. Many participating celebrated the legalization of same-sex marriage in California and called for the passage of civil-union legislation in Illinois.
According to parade coordinator Richard Pfeiffer, 450,000 people attended the parade—25,000 more than last year. Police did not have an official crowd estimate as of Mon., June 30.
The grand marshal was Eric Alva ( top middle photo ) , an ex-marine who is a vocal proponent of overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the military policy banning gays and lesbians from serving openly.
The parade was delayed for nearly an hour after a dancer fell off of a float near Halsted and Waveland and injured her leg. She was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Several additional calls for emergency service were made during the parade, but no other serious injuries were reported.
During the long delay, it began to rain. Many spectators&#mdash;and even some parade participants&#mdash;chose to leave during the delay. However, the parade started back up and the sun came out.
According to the Chicago Police Department, preliminary investigation shows that there were 10 arrests made during the Pride Parade. The arrests were for minor offenses, such as simple battery and disorderly conduct, police told Windy City Times.
Per usual, anti-gay protesters were present during the day's festivities. A few were gathered outside of the Addison el stop, handing out anti-gay literature. Some were located on Diversey behind police barricades. Led by the Gay Liberation Network, a group of gays surrounded the protestors on Diversey and blocked the view of them by holding up a large sign while chanting.
Other anti-gay protesters walked the parade route on Halsted for a short period of time, surrounded by police, until they were escorted off of the street. Later, they gathered in front of the Center on Halsted. Wherever they were congregated, however, LGBTs and allies shouted them down.
This year, a float that traveled all the way from St. Joseph, Mich.—the YWCA Out & Affirmation Center—was given an award for the Best All-Around Float. Last year, the group caused a controversy in southwest Michigan when it became the first LGBT organization to enter the local parade. They participated, despite threats and letters to the editor. This year, they took home the Sweepstakes Award in the same community parade before coming to the Windy City to celebrate Pride.
Green Dolphin/Boom Boom Room won the award for the Best Business Float. Filipinos and Friends in Chicago and the Lake View East Chamber of Commerce were both named Best Organization Float (s). There were 250 registered entries this year.
Allies were out in full force this year as well. A few mainstream South Side groups marched in the parade, including South Shore Drill Team and the Golden Knights Drill Team.
