Purposeful Pride

Happy Pride 2008! This year promises to be one of the best yet in Chicago's Boystown! With Martha Wash, '80s teen pop sensation Tiffany, house music chanteuse Inaya Day, and American Idol contestants Kimberley Locke and Frenchie Davis among the artists set to perform at Chicago's 6th annual Pride Fest; the whole weekend will be packed with activities and action! This years Pride Parade boasts over 200 entries alone!

Pride always sets the LGBT community in the spotlight. Chicago's Pride Parade spares no exception! Richard Pfeiffer and his team go above and beyond every year; making it better than the year before! With all the festivities going on I think it's important to remember a few things in this season of Pride.

Pride comes from within you ! Perhaps this is your time to come out to your friends and family. Maybe it's your moment to reach out to those who you've put some distance between. Whatever Pride means to you, it can be a time of renewal and positive choices. Similar to a New Year's resolution; Pride can be a launching point for positive change in the LGBT community within or around you.

How many times have you said to yourself that you wanted to get involved in the community? Well, now is the time. Pride Fest features a number of community booths with information on how to get involved, many of them being national organizations. Step out of your comfort zone and do it.

LGBT Know & Tell . Have you noticed how many outside the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community ask questions about Pride and the history of LGBT community? Pride month is your chance to share with them the rich diversity that is our community. If you don't know then may I suggest you get a copy of Out and Proud in Chicago or visit the Chicago History Museum .

From the Stonewall riots in New York to the pioneering actions of such local community icons as Sidetrack owner, Art Johnson , and Rick Garcia of Equality Illinois ; we have a rich story to know and tell!

Whether you are visiting for Chicago's 2nd largest parade or live here year round, I hope you will pause for a moment in the midst of all the fun and fellowship to really appreciate all that we have to be proud of. Not only are we able to love those we wish a whole lot easier, but we are welcome to enjoy this great city as prideful LGBT citizens!

Proud to have Pride!