On June 28, Navy Pier threw a Pride celebration and it seemed like nobody even had time to get bored. The day, labeled Navy Pier Pride, made drastic improvements on the 2024 version, packing in even more attractions, performing artists and pizazz, turning this edition into a major LGBTQ+ hootenanny. There were queer performers from seemingly all walks of life and to make the day even more inclusive and fun, it was billed as a family event with small children bopping around in all the merriment.
Though the temperature was inching over 90 degrees by noon, the day went off without a hitch.
The first event of the day was Drag Queen Storytime, which featured Pansy and Ginger reading to a crowd of engaged small children.
Then The Lakeside Pride Marching Band stunned everyone by seeming to come out of nowhere, marching in full regalia up and down the Pier not once, not twice, but three times. The looks of shock and joy on the faces of families as they sauntered in the heat were priceless.
The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus had those same crowds sitting down for a performance of crisp pop music and they did not disappoint with their trademark harmonies. PFLAG was on hand with a contingent and they offered “Mom Hugs” and welcoming smiles, while the Star Wars Squadron right next to them offered “Stormtrooper Hugs” and a lot of cheer.
Then it was off to the Navy Pier Beer Garden for an afternoon of spicy but family friendly fun. Jonathon Zeng of The Chicago Fringe Opera was first up with a selection of pop and show tunes, and he managed to turn his time into an extremely charming recital.
Latin queer variety show Chisme Block changed the energy by adding Indie Blancos’s queer-nerd humor while Venezuelan humorist Hoja Lopez kept everyone laughing.
Next up was Chillona, who came out dressed in what looked like black leather under garments for a sample of her high energy self-written/self-produced dance music, which came off as both provocative and joyful. Closing out Chisme Block’s segment was a downright rowdy but good-natured game of musical chairs.
A trio of drag performers from The Haus of Dee who jumped off the stage and into the crowd, much to the delight of the small children present. Sassy, sophisticated and agile Nina Dee, Mia Dee and Vanya Dee closed their set as a trio—and left the crowds cheering for more.
Chicago Samba delivered a dose of colorful, action-packed culture—guests wasted no time getting up and dancing.
Then it was time for one of the best parts from the 2024 Navy Pier Pride Day, the return of the Bollywood Drag Show. Leha as the Salamander and D’cameron May offered exotic, skilled performances, but the high point came when families and small children jumped into an explosive Bollywood dance jam, as DJ Ameer flooded the garden with Indian pop and dance music.
Charlie’s Pop-Up Drag Show closed out the night.
Sponsors for Navy Pier Pride included Brave Space Alliance, Star Wars Pride Squadron, PFLAG and Chicago Legacy Project.
