Dyke March, crafted as an act of resistance pushing up against overly corporatized Pride celebrations, returned to Chicago June 27 after an eight-year hiatus. The event, which took place in the Pilsen neighborhood marks its 30th anniversary in 2026.
The march started with a rally at Plaza Tenochtitlan before marching east down W. 18th St., and then south on S. May St., before landing at Dvorak Park for an afternoon gathering and resource fair.
“This current group of organizers is honored to bring the Dyke March to Pilsen. It wouldn’t be anything without all the people who came today and it’s really incredible to be in this space,” said Hana, an organizer.
“What a celebration. A commitment to a movement and legacy. It feels like an honor to be out here with so many intergenerational queers.” said E. Chico, another organizer.
According to its mission statement, “Chicago Dyke March Collective acts in the spirit of the original Lesbian Avengers’ call to ‘seize the power of Dyke Love, Dyke Vision, Dyke Anger, Dyke Intelligence, Dyke Strategy.’
“Because Dyke as a category exists in direct defiance of the social order, we know DYKE to be more than a personal identity. DYKE is a radical politic—we fight against an oppressive world to build abundant connection.”
“None of us are free until all are free,” was a rallying cry heard throughout the afternoon on June 27.
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