On May 21, The Northalsted Business Alliance ( NBA ), in collaboration with The Legacy Project, presented "Pride Prom: A Chance to Rewrite History."
The eventwhich kicked off the start of future collaborations between the two organizationstook place under a massive tent on Halsted and Newport streets, and featured live music by The Lakeside Pride Strayhorn Jazz Combo and DJ Moose along with light refreshments from Halsted-area restaurants.
NBA Executive Director Christopher Barrett Politan stated before the event, "For many in the LGBTQ Community, prom was a less than welcoming environment to express gender identity or sexual orientation." Under the tent during this evening, identity and orientation were the norm as long and short term same-sex couples danced and mingled to a soundtrack which included old-school jazz and dance-floor favorites like Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and ABBA's "Dancing Queen."
Many guests went all out in dressing for this prom with the attitude to reclaim the event as there very own. A number of guests made dramatic entrances in high-end tuxedos and a variety of full-length gowns. Later in the evening, 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman and his husband, Richard Thale, crowned the "Queens" and "Kings" of the prom.
The event was co-sponsored by Miller Beer, BMO Harris Bank, Allstate Insurance, Steamworks Baths, and The Chicago Cubs.
Text and photos by Vern Hester. More at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Pro-LGBT-groups-hold-Pride-Prom-/55315.html .