For the first time in its 54-year history, the Chicago Pride Parade will be led by a local community group: TaskForce Prevention & Community Services, a Black-led LGBTQ+ youth health and wellness organization based on the West Side.
PRIDEChicago, the volunteer-run nonprofit that organizes the annual parade, announced TaskForce as the parade’s inaugural “Out Front” leader, honoring the parade’s mission of centering grassroots advocacy and community impact.
“Pride is not just about celebration; it’s about recognizing those who uplift, protect and advocate for our community every day,” said Terra Campbell, director of community engagement for the parade. “TaskForce embodies that mission, and we’re thrilled to honor their impact.”
TaskForce has supported LGBTQ+ youth on Chicago’s West Side since 1990. The organization offers a variety of services, including culturally responsive medical care, sexual health education, HIV/STI testing, access to food and clothing and more. Its signature Chicago Vogue School also engages youth through ballroom culture to foster self-expression and community-building.
“We are a grassroots, multi-service, community-based organization that supports the holistic health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youth,” said Chris Balthazar, executive director of TaskForce. “We exist because the community wants us to exist, and because the community needs us to exist.”
The recognition comes as TaskForce celebrates its 35th anniversary and at a time when LGBTQ+ youth face growing threats nationwide. Balthazar said leading the parade this year sends a powerful message.
“It’s really important at a time like this for TaskForce to be chosen to be out front, because it sends a message that we all matter,” Balthazar said. “It’s also important because TaskForce is a Black-led organization, and the parade choosing us is centering our intersecting identities.”
To help support TaskForce’s work, PRIDEChicago presented the organization with a $5,000 community grant during its June 1 Pride Month kickoff party at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St.
Parade organizers said that support reflects a broader effort to ensure this year’s PRide Parade prioritizes community-oriented groups.
“Now more than ever, participation should reflect an ongoing and authentic commitment to the LGBTQ+ community through year-round advocacy, investment and the creation of spaces for LGBTQ+ voices and leadership,” said Steve Long, PRIDEChicago board chair.
The 2025 parade will also highlight longtime LGBTQ+ healthcare champions Dr. Maya Green and Dr. Catherine Creticos, who were named Community Grand Marshals through a public nomination process.
The parade steps off at 11 a.m. June 29 from Sheridan and Broadway, winding through Northalsted.
Balthazar said TaskForce plans to lead the parade as an example of dedicated community service.
“We’ll be showing what 35 years of impact looks like,” Balthazar said.
The group will feature its youth participants front and center, with a DJ and space for participants to vogue, showcasing TaskForce’s popular Vogue School.
TaskForce’s Chicago Vogue School provides not only a creative space, but a support system for LGBTQ+ youth, especially those of color navigating health care, housing instability and identity affirmation, Balthazar said.
Looking ahead, TaskForce is also planning for a major move. The organization is currently fundraising for a new building, having outgrown its current space.
Balthazar said their parade participation will be a celebration of TaskForce’s past, present and future.
“I often say that TaskForce has certainly had its ups and downs or times where it struggled as an organization,” Balthazar said. “But we exist because of the power of our community.”