Chicago Pride Attendance Soars After 2010
Chicago Pride sees a yearly increase in traffic and celebration as LGBTQ+ community unifies and celebrates.
June proves to be a month for the Chicago LGBTQ+ community as data supports a yearly increase in Chicago Pride attendance from 1985 to 2014. Providing a space for unity and support, Chicago pride is a staple of Chicago.
LGTBQ+ Pride events like these celebrate the events that occurred in New York at the Stonewall Riot pushing for rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The graphic showcases the increase of attendance at Chicago Pride with an estimated 35,000 in 1985, to 450,000 in 2010 and increasing severely in the years following resulting in 1,000,000 in 2013 and 2014.
The New York Times references the events that occurred June 26, 2015 when the United States Supreme Court ruled that Gay marriage is a constitutional right, bringing resolve to a long sought fight.
Chicago Pride consists of a multitude of events that occur throughout the month of June with the Chicago Pride Parade occurring the last Sunday in June. The festivities draw thousands of people to Chicago’s Uptown and Boystown neighborhoods. Chicago Pride lists the Pride events which include: the Parade, Andersonville Midsommarfest, PrideFest, Pride North, Pride at Navy Pier, and Pride in the Park.
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Chicago Pride Parade was officially cancelled. The city of Chicago suspended “all permitted special events” including Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and Chicago Pride. According to CBS, Pride spirit was not extinguished as virtual performances were moved online.
As the Summer season waits around the corner, will Chicago Pride 2021 face a similar fate to last year, or will increased COVID-19 safety measures allow for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate together again?
