The Progress of Chicago’s Pride Parade

When Pride Parades first began, the growth of the LGBTQ community steadily increased as related movements continued to progress throughout the years.

The Pride Parades first began as a march in Chicago on June 27, 1970. The Gay Liberation Movement had its first rally shortly after the Stonewall riots as the marches continued all through New York City, Los Angeles and many other cities throughout the week.

Based on this major moment in history, Chicago’s Pride Parade attendance increased by thousands. The LGBTQ community began to gain more acknowledgement based on the ongoing protests that constantly strived for progressive change.

In the year of 2011, more states such as New York and Washington, D.C. begin to allow same-sex marriage along with ending the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy which allowed the LGBTQ community to enlist openly.

Despite vandalism being done to some floats during the 2011 Chicago’s Pride Parade, there was 750,000 people attending the event which was 300,000 more than the year prior. That year proved to be highly beneficial for the LGBTQ community.

In the year of 2013, Chicago broke record of having 1 million people attending the Pride Parade. As the movement continued to progress, more acceptance from society was being shown such as President Obama publicly speaking about gay rights in a positive light.

Even though there was much to be improved on in terms of LGBTQ rights, the community still celebrated the success that was accomplished so far within those years.