On June 13, a collaboration between HIV prevention and community services organizations held the first Hyde Park Pride Festival at Nichols Park at 1355 E. 53rd St.
Under a cloudless and forgiving summer sky, the atypical festival was big on relaxation, strolling, entertainment and friendly vibes, and without the loud club music, sweaty crowds, oodles of bare flesh or overbearing volume of the usual Chicago festival.
Not to say that this Pride festival was laid back or a snooze—there was plenty going on. A bouncy house got plenty of action from little kids and adults alike and several artists and venders displayed their works. There were also a number of organizations tabling, a collaborative live art project, a face painting station, and naturally there was entertainment with noted local drag icon Shavonna Brooks, dance trio Boifrind, vocalist Rehnbowz, and DJ Starboy and WDJ Trey5ive. There were also a raffle and opportunities to dialogue with the Chicago Police Department.
Participating sponsors included AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Brave Space Alliance, University of Chicago Police Recruitment, PFLAG, La Casa Norte, Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Onyx Health Collective, and Task Force Prevention and Community Services.
Photos by Vern Hester
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