Onbrand

Inspired by the Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969, the first Gay Liberation March took place in Chicago on Saturday, June 27, 1970, making it the first city to host such a march. New York City and San Francisco followed with their marches the next day. In its earliest days, the event bore little resemblance to today’s celebration. That inaugural march saw just 150 participants, a far cry from the nearly one million spectators who now line the streets of Chicago’s landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhood to celebrate annually. From its modest beginnings, the Parade has grown into a beloved tradition for Chicagoans, showcasing the city’s commitment to inclusion and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The Chicago Pride Parade is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of pride.

Who We Are
PRIDEChicago is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through the annual Chicago Pride Parade and year-round advocacy efforts, PRIDEChicago honors the legacy of those who came before us while investing in the future of LGBTQ+ communities in Chicago and across Illinois.

Our Mission
Founded in 1974 by Richard Pfeiffer, our mission remains steadfast to inspire, educate, and commemorate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities in Chicago, while celebrating our diverse culture.

Our Vision
We are proud of our history and excited about the work we are doing to create a brighter future for all. We are committed to creating a world where all people can live authentically, and unapologetically.

Our Values
We expect all parade participants, volunteers, and spectators to support the LGBTQ+ community and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with our values of respect, kindness, integrity, and positivity.

Our Leadership Team
Our continued success is driven by our dedicated all-volunteer leadership team, and parade coordinators whose passion and expertise ensure that the Chicago Pride Parade remains a meaningful and inspiring celebration.