Photos: Out of the Office kicks off Pride Month 2023

Out of the Office, Chicago’s largest LGBTQ networking event, kicked off Pride Month on May 31 at The Godrey Rooftop I/O, 127 W. Huron – continuing its long-standing tradition as the start of the Pride Month celebration and parties.

Now in its 21st year, Out of the Office was founded by well-known community advocate and publicist Andrew Hayes.

“I’m incredibly proud that Out of the Office has the reputation as the official kickoff event for Pride Month in Chicago,” Hayes told GoPride.com. “It’s something people look forward to attending.”

This year, Out of the Office honored Hayes and Godfrey Hotel Director of Sales Sandi Robinson, whose commitment has made the event a continued success.

“Seeing that and with the event turning 21 years old, I thought my God, it can now legally drink, so it’s time for me to cut the cord,” said Hayes, who this year passed the management of the Out of the Office to Legacy Project Chicago.

“I’ve been a fan of the Legacy Project since it first came into existence,” Hayes said. “The passion and commitment of Victor Salvo, Lori Cannon, and the organization’s volunteer board around the mission of protecting and preserving our history for future generations resonate deeply for me.”

WGN’s Sean Lewis served as emcee as nearly 400 attendees helped raise money for the Legacy Project's LGBTQ Curriculum Program for Illinois' Public Schools.

Photos: Out of the Office 2023

Chicago's LGBTQ Pride Month calendar is on GoPride.com