PrideFest 2009

Because I love the gay bars in Boystown so much, I decided to celebrate gay culture and pride Sunday at Pride Parade! (Actually, I had to walk in the parade for work…but still).

Anyways, the parade was one of the coolest and most fun events I have ever been to. As I fought my way to the WGN-TV float, it looked like a massive rainbow had settled onto Lakeview. I looked like a square in my khaki shorts compared to the elaborate costumes, sparkles and stage makeup that every one else seemed to be sporting.

The parade weaved through Boystown and ended at the Lincoln Park Zoo…quite a long ways, but the weather could not have been better, and honestly, neither could the company

Not only is WGN a Chicago institution, its anchors are truly celebrities. I doubt any float got the reception that ours did as we blasted the Ting Tings, Michael Jackson and Beyonce…all while the news crew waved, wiggled and danced on the back of the float.

Parade-goers crowded the route and leaned over fences, tossing beads, offering high fives and lifting beers and Mikes Hard Lemonades in a toast as we cruised on by.

As I took photos for WGN, I was able to interact with the crowd and see aspects of its components that other people might not have. For instance, some of the costumes, people perched in third-floor windows, lots of nudity, and a more serious side of why all these people were gathered.

While there was only one small group of protestors, many supporters or gay rights held up signs or wore shirts with political and social messages scrawled across them. Gay marriage was an obvious one (Heteros get 3 to 4 weddings. Gays don’t even get 1). Another gay couple walked hand in hand through the parade route holding signs reading “Just Married.” They were greeted with cheers and congratulations the entire walk. Abolishing don’t ask don’t tell (Obama, let gays serve openly) was third hot-button issue addressed by more somber members of the gay community.

For the most part, though, Pride Parade was not an event pushing a social or political agenda, rather it was a celebration of a culture often misunderstood and ostracized by the mainstream.

If you ever get the opportunity to attend the PrideFest Parade…take it! Be ready for thousands upon thousands of eccentric, excited and colorful people—but more than that, be ready for a great time!