Sun. June 28, 2026
CHICAGO, ILL. -
By Michael Oboza, Special to GoPride.com
Before both New York and San Francisco, it was Chicago that held the first Pride rally and march in Washington Square Park, colloquially known as Bughouse Square, in 1970.
On a somber day during Pride Month, 56 years later, one of the original 1970 marchers and Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee Gary Chichester welcomed the community to Bughouse Square to remember the importance of history.
After a blessing from The Second City Sisters, Chichester reflected on the origins of the movement.
"Fifty-six years ago, 150 gathered here, including the Chicago Gay Liberation Front at Bughouse Square, for the first Pride rally and march in the world in 1970," Chichester said. He then added with a smile, "I was there."
The crowd cheered.
Pointing to recent national legislation targeting the LGBTQ community, Chichester urged action at the ballot box.
"Vote! Vote this November," Chichester said. "We will not and we cannot lose our rights, because we've come too far."
Finishing his speech, Chichester mentioned the future of the Inaugural Pride Rally and March Monument at Bughouse Square, which is the oldest historical park in Chicago, "so we don't forget our history."
The crowd cheered again.
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Park District, spoke about the importance of history and shared his commitment to work with Chichester to place the First Pride Rally and March Monument in the park.
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., highlighted his long history as an LGBTQ ally, noting his participation in the Chicago Pride Parade since 1983. He spoke about his opposition to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, his support for the Transgender Identity Ordinance and his work for marriage equality. Quigley called members of the LGBTQ community his friends and said he was proud to stand with them.
Antonio King, the first Black director of LGBTQ affairs appointed by the city, expressed his gratitude to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for his support of the Chicago LGBTQ community. He also shared his gratitude for those who paved the way before him, naming leaders such as Mary Morten, William W. Greaves and Vernita Gray. King ended his speech with a call-and-response with the crowd, chanting, "We say no! No to transphobia! No to homophobia!"
The crowd cheered in response.
Channyn Parker, the first Black transgender woman to serve as CEO of Equality Illinois, shared a personal story about a conversation with her mother ahead of the upcoming Pride Parade.
"My mother called me, because tomorrow is the Pride Parade, and asked why I hadn't invited her," Parker said, noting that her mother referred to her as her beloved daughter with whom she is well pleased.
After talking with her mother and having an "ugly cry," Parker said she was reminded of the importance of the work began by those who came before.
Similarly, Joli Robinson, the first Black CEO of the Center on Halsted, spoke about the necessity of working together in rooted intersectional community work and queer liberation.
The crowd cheered.
Chicago resident and Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee Robert Castillo emphasized the need for visibility within the movement.
"I'd be remiss if I didn't mention, we remember to include the bisexuals in our LGBTQ community," Castillo said.
Also in attendance was Darrell Gordon, a founder of Dykes and Gay Men Against Racism and Repression (DAGMAR) in 1984, which later became ACT UP Chicago in 1988. Gordon also helped with Queer Nation Chicago from 1990 to 1992.
"For me, Pride means freedom to be your unapologetic and authentic self," Gordon said. "Fighting to be free in the city, country and abroad."
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