There was something lively in the air during Chicago Pride Fest, which took place June 19-21 Lake View. Guests enjoyed food stands, live music performances and drag shows at the festival.
Guest performers included Durand Bernarr, Miz Cracker, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and more. On the South Stage, located just north of Addison St., Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus belted out songs in beautiful harmony.
One attendee, Mitchell Flinch from Indianapolis, praised the Chorus performance, adding that it was also his first time attending Pride Fest. He said he enjoyed “being here, getting out of my comfort zone a little bit.”
Accompanying him was Jessie French, who said she appreciated Pride Fest’s welcoming environment. Otherwise,“You can’t find a good group of people to have drinks with,” French said.
Some stands were selling freshly made lemonade, cocktails, and food from various cultures, such as empanadas or stir-fried noodles. Others featured groups like Equality Illinois and Human Rights Campaign. Men dressed in “Play Catch With a Dad” shirts staffed yet one more booth, where guests could indeed learn how to play catch.
Over on the Waveland Stage, DJs played throughout the day as people gathered around and danced to the beat.
The North Stage was bustling with people crowding together to watch a myriad of performers, one of whom was Grammy award-winning musician Durand Bernarr. As he performed, the crowd followed along with his choreography instructions.
Before performing his last song, Bernarr spoke to the audience on the importance of intersectionality within the queer community, especially as it related to Black queer people.
Photos by Miguel Loza-Sanchez (Story continues below)
Following Bernarr’s performance, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus Executive Director Keith Green gave a speech echoing Bernarr’s. He advocated for standing up for marginalized groups and urged the crowd to “celebrate today, and carry that same energy.”
Miz Cracker then came up on the North Stage, giving performances that were in critique of the Trump administration and the upper classes. One of her performances riffed on Marie Antoinette and the quote “Let them eat cake,” which is often misattributed to Antoinette.
Attendee Sam Batka recognized the importance of this messaging as an LGBTQ+ ally, especially in the welcoming environment that the festival had to offer. “Pride truly is here for people,” Batka said. “I just wish that our country were more accepting of what Pride is and stands for.”
Jonny Behrens-Lisak found the overall experience to be full of happiness and energy.
“I think it’s sad to see what’s happening in the country right now and the tax on the community,” said Behrens-Lisak. “It’s so important that we’re here to not only celebrate all the incredible people and everyone in their true form, but also have that community—and seeing it really gives life back.”
Photos by Joseph Stevens
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