Against the backdrop of the 2026 Pride Parade’s theme, Free to Be Proud, I went out to Pride events with my camera, asking Chicagoans what freedom means to them.
Their answers ranged from authenticity and creativity to community, responsibility, and resilience.
What struck me was that despite growing concerns about threats facing the LGBTQ+ community, people were still able to access joy and celebration during Pride Month. Again and again, I heard gratitude for community, along with a recognition that freedom is something that must be protected.
Here are some of their answers:
(All photos by Ronit Bezalel. Click on image to enlarge.)
Rebecca Andrews
“Freedom is a right and a responsibility that should never be taken for granted. Particularly during this time of having our rights taken away from us. It’s definitely something we have to protect.”
Brendan Bonham
“I try to help others feel free by not judging them. I shouldn’t give a shit about who others want to be. If you want to be somebody, you should be able to be who you want to be.”
Darius Caffey
“Freedom is the ability to dream, to open doors and break barriers that we thought were impossible. For me, it means being in a space where I’m able to create opportunities and build camaraderie for other LGBTQ+ people.”
Candice
“Freedom is making art and having the option to create whatever is in your heart without boundaries.”
Cat
“I feel free to be passionate. Definitely passionate.”
Dara
“Freedom is being able to be authentic with the people we love and care about. Sometimes that’s much harder than being authentic with strangers.”
Betsy Fiden
“Freedom is feeling safe enough to have a conversation with someone you’ve never met before. I do that and really enjoy it.”
Potty Mouth
“Freedom is fleeting, especially now. We have to learn from the generations that came before us, and realize that our freedoms came from their struggles.”
Que
“Freedom is the ability to do whatever you want, to feel how you want without restriction or oppression. Healthcare has been a barrier for me. Unemployment is crazy right now. So, it’s hard to say I feel completely free.”
Justin Tate
“Freedom is being myself.”
Joseph Taylor
“Freedom to me is more around intentionality, focusing on the things that make you happy. Doing the things you love, especially given that these times can be sad. Like I pushed myself to go out tonight.”