2008 Woodie Awards
Despite obstacles, Chicago Pride Parade proceeds smoothly
Igor Studenkov
Issue date: 7/14/08 Section: News
Media Credit: Igor StudenkovDespite angry protests and severe weather conditions, there were huge, jubilant crowds at the 39th Annual Gay Pride Parade.
The 39th Annual Chicago Pride Parade got off to a rousing start when a convertible with a large "Thank You, California" sign drove down Halsted Street. Robert Castillo and John Pennycuff, a Logan Park couple who have been together for seventeen years, held up their marriage license as the crowd cheered.
The recent legalization of same sex marriage in California reverberated throughout the parade. Many floats had signs acknowledging and celebrating the event. Countless banners proclaimed equal rights and support for same-sex unions. Other floats had larger displays. A float decorated with rainbow umbrellas urged the onlookers to support House Bill 1826 - a legislation that would establish civil unions for same sex couples in Illinois. Another float took a less serious approach, depicting Ernie and Bert from Sesame Street getting married.
Eric Alva, a gay US Army veteran, served as the Grand Marshal of this year's parade. He was the first American soldier to be injured in Iraq. In 2007, he went public with his orientation. Since then, he worked to persuade US Congress to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Fittingly, this year's parade featured a procession of gay veterans.
In other ways, the Pride Parade has not changed much from previous years. GLBT as well as straight businesses, dancing troupes, and community organizations appeared in full force. Many floats had scantily clad dancers, but this time around, they were a bit more gender-balanced.
UIC Pride made an appearance, as did Pride organizations from other Chicago area colleges. The Congregational United Church of Christ and the Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist Church, which are located in Arlington Heights and Palatine, respectively, made their Pride Parade debut. Both churches wanted to show their support while demonstrating that GLBT individuals are welcome in their congregation. Many politicians were represented as well. Republican officials received particularly hardy applause, as did the Log Cabin Republicans delegation. While Barack Obama did not attend the parade, his supporters blanketed the parade route, showering the onlookers with stickers and campaign literature. As usual, US Representative Jan Schakowsky was on hand, and her supporters handed out fans, to the relief of the heat-weary crowd.
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The recent legalization of same sex marriage in California reverberated throughout the parade. Many floats had signs acknowledging and celebrating the event. Countless banners proclaimed equal rights and support for same-sex unions. Other floats had larger displays. A float decorated with rainbow umbrellas urged the onlookers to support House Bill 1826 - a legislation that would establish civil unions for same sex couples in Illinois. Another float took a less serious approach, depicting Ernie and Bert from Sesame Street getting married.
Eric Alva, a gay US Army veteran, served as the Grand Marshal of this year's parade. He was the first American soldier to be injured in Iraq. In 2007, he went public with his orientation. Since then, he worked to persuade US Congress to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Fittingly, this year's parade featured a procession of gay veterans.
In other ways, the Pride Parade has not changed much from previous years. GLBT as well as straight businesses, dancing troupes, and community organizations appeared in full force. Many floats had scantily clad dancers, but this time around, they were a bit more gender-balanced.
UIC Pride made an appearance, as did Pride organizations from other Chicago area colleges. The Congregational United Church of Christ and the Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist Church, which are located in Arlington Heights and Palatine, respectively, made their Pride Parade debut. Both churches wanted to show their support while demonstrating that GLBT individuals are welcome in their congregation. Many politicians were represented as well. Republican officials received particularly hardy applause, as did the Log Cabin Republicans delegation. While Barack Obama did not attend the parade, his supporters blanketed the parade route, showering the onlookers with stickers and campaign literature. As usual, US Representative Jan Schakowsky was on hand, and her supporters handed out fans, to the relief of the heat-weary crowd.
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