AJ at the rally. Photo by Ronit Bezalel

Hundreds attended the 21st Annual Chicago Disability Pride Parade on July 20 in downtown Chicago. With the theme, “Disability Pride will not be denied,” the parade began at Plymouth Court and concluded at Daley Plaza, where post-parade festivities took place.

Chicago-born painter and disability advocate Genevieve Ramos served as the 2024 Grand Marshal. The parade also honored longtime disability activist and parade organizer Justin Cooper, who passed away just 11 days before the event. 

Windy City Times captured portraits of some LGBTQ+ community members and allies at the parade and post-parade rally, showcasing their celebration of intersectionality.

Sarah Todd Hammer, and fiancees Jennifer Starzec and Claire Thomas. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
Activist and scholar Liat Ben-Moshe (center front) with friends and family. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
Jessie Waggoner, visiting from Madison, Wisconsin, and Maria Town, president and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities, and Town’s wife Cheryl Lovelady. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
Autism advocate and drummer Victoria Boateng. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
Artist, writer and disabilty advocate Riva Lehrer. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
Artist, writer, and disabilty advocate Riva Lehrer in the parade. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
Activist and scholar Liat Ben-Moshe. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
Partners Brandon Will and Tea Jones-Yelvington with Brandon’s mother Janice Will. Photo by Ronit Bezalel
AJ and Bettie. Photo by Ronit Bezalel